Uganda deports 169 foreigners over illegal stay

KAMPALA - The internal affairs ministry, on Friday, May 1, 2026, started the phased deportation of the 169 foreign nationals arrested in Bukoto-Ntinda, Kampala, on Tuesday.

They were initially held for illegal residence and alleged cyber-scamming activities.

The  National Citizenship and Immigration Control (NCIC) in a statement shared on its x-platform stated that, “all 169 have been fined and paid for their air tickets.

Deportations started on Friday, May 1, 2026.

The group includes nationals from: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia and Malaysia. 

On Tuesday, NCIC said it had arrested 231 illegal immigrants following two major enforcement operations in Kampala and Adjumani against irregular migration.

Among those arrested were 62 Nigerians who were arrested in Adjumani district, operating a church. 

The  National Citizenship and Immigration Control (NCIC) in a statement shared on its x-platform stated that, “all 169 have been fined and paid for their air tickets. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

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. The group was found operating illegally, specifically without valid work permits, while engaged in activities that included operation of a church,” Mundeyi explained.

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. 

“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 also revealed that after screening, 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.