Nigerians among over 200 aliens arrested as ministry raids Adjumani, Bukoto

________________

The internal affairs ministry, through its National Citizenship and Immigration Control (NCIC), says it has arrested 231 illegal immigrants following two major enforcement operations against irregular migration.

Among those arrested are 62 Nigerians who were arrested in Adjumani district, operating a church. Other aliens arrested were those from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Malaysia who were engaged in prostitution and scamming in Bukoto, Nakawa Division in Kampala district.

NCIC spokesperson Simon Mundeyi, on April 28, 2026, said the operations were carried out as part of a nationwide commitment to national security and the rule of law.

“Acting on credible intelligence, enforcement teams apprehended 62 Nigerian nationals in Adjumani district on Monday, April 26, 2026. The group was found operating illegally, specifically without valid work permits, while engaged in activities that included operation of a church,” Mundeyi said.

The Bukoto-Ntinda raid

He also revealed that, “on the night of April 27-28, 2026, in the Bukoto-Ntinda area of Kampala, NCIC officers detained 169 foreign nationals residing in an apartment complex in Bukoto without valid migration status.

This group, which included 36 women, was operating from a highly restricted, self-contained apartment complex equipped with its own restaurant and internal facilities designed to restrict movement and ensure total focus on illicit operations.”

Mundeyi said upon searching the premises, “officers recovered a significant cache of computers and Information technology (IT) equipment used to facilitate illegal gaming, betting and organised scamming. Notably, the suspects lacked all forms of identification, including travel passports. The individuals in the Kampala operation include citizens from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Malaysia.”

“Preliminary processing indicates varied circumstances among those arrested. Some individuals have claimed they were trafficked into Uganda with a promise of employment. Others were engaged in cyber-scamming activities. A few were found in possession of materials suggesting involvement in other criminal activities,” Mundeyi added.

Mundeyi said all the 231 individuals arrested across these two operations are currently undergoing rigorous screening and processing.

“Those found in violation of Ugandan migration laws will face prosecution in accordance with the country’s laws. Cases involving suspected trafficking or criminal activity will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for further investigation,” Mundeyi added.

He said, “the Ministry of Internal Affairs and NCIC, remain committed to ensuring that all foreign nationals residing or working within our borders are fully documented and compliant with national regulations. We urge the public to continue supporting these efforts by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest immigration office or police station.”