A total of 231 foreign nationals have been arrested in two coordinated operations targeting illegal immigration and related criminal activities, as authorities intensify efforts to enforce immigration laws and safeguard national security.
The operations, conducted by officers from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, took place in Kampala and Adjumani District on April 27–28, 2026.
In Kampala, 169 foreign nationals were arrested during a night raid in the Bukoto–Ntinda area, where they were found residing in a highly restricted apartment complex without valid immigration status.
According to Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the premises had been deliberately structured to limit movement, featuring an in-house restaurant and other internal facilities.
Authorities say the setup enabled continuous operations linked to illegal online gaming, betting and organised cyber scams. A large cache of computers and other IT equipment was recovered during the operation, while none of the suspects were found in possession of identification documents, including passports.
Those arrested in Kampala include nationals from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Malaysia, with 36 women among them.
In a separate operation in Adjumani District, immigration enforcement teams arrested 62 Nigerian nationals who were found operating without valid work permits.
“Acting on credible intelligence, enforcement teams apprehended 62 Nigerian nationals in Adjumani on April 27. The group was operating illegally, specifically without valid work permits, while engaged in activities that included running a church,” Mundeyi said.
Preliminary screening indicates mixed circumstances among the suspects. Some individuals claim they were trafficked into Uganda under false promises of employment, while others are believed to have been actively involved in cyber fraud. A number were also found with materials suggesting involvement in other criminal activities.
All 231 suspects are currently undergoing screening and processing. Authorities say those found in violation of immigration laws will be prosecuted, while cases involving suspected human trafficking and related offences will be handed over to relevant law enforcement agencies.
Mundeyi also cautioned landlords against renting property to undocumented foreigners, urging stricter compliance with immigration requirements.
“We have had cases of individuals renting in parts of Kampala without any immigration documents. Landlords must ensure that foreign nationals present proof of legal status before being allowed to settle,” he said.
“It is a legal requirement for any foreigner in Uganda to carry proper identification, including a passport with valid immigration clearance, whether working or conducting daily activities,” he added.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and immigration authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that all foreign nationals residing or working in Uganda are properly documented and compliant with the law.
Members of the public have been urged to support enforcement efforts by reporting suspicious activities to immigration offices or the police, as investigations into the two operations continue.
