Uganda Arrests 62 Nigerians Over Alleged Illegal Religious Activities, Immigration Breaches

Authorities in Uganda have arrested 62 Nigerian nationals over suspected involvement in illegal religious activities and violations of immigration laws.

The Ugandan Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control confirmed the arrests on Wednesday, saying the operation followed intelligence reports that the group was operating in Adjumani district without valid work permits.

According to the agency, the suspects were found running a church and engaging in other activities considered unlawful under Uganda’s immigration regulations.

“Following a tip-off, our enforcement team has arrested 62 Nigerian nationals operating illegally in Adjumani (without work permits),” the agency said in a statement posted on its official X account.

Authorities further alleged that some of the individuals had been posing as gospel preachers while carrying out activities deemed irregular by the government.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Simon Peter Mundeyi, said initial investigations revealed conflicting accounts from the suspects.

“Some claimed they were lured into Uganda with false job promises, while others are suspected to be involved in online fraud and related offences,” Mundeyi stated.

The detainees are currently being held at a government facility in Namanve, where they were undergoing legal processing.

Officials said those found culpable could face prosecution, deportation, fines, or possible blacklisting from re-entering the country.