Authorities in Uganda have arrested 62 Nigerian nationals over alleged involvement in illegal religious activities and violations of the country’s immigration laws.
The arrests were confirmed on Wednesday by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, which said the operation followed intelligence reports indicating that the group was operating in Adjumani district without valid work permits.
According to the agency, the suspects were allegedly running a church and engaging in 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 stated in a post on X.
Authorities further alleged that some of the individuals posed as gospel preachers while carrying out activities viewed as irregular by the government.
Spokesperson for Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, Simon Peter Mundeyi, said preliminary investigations uncovered conflicting accounts from those arrested.
“Some claimed they were lured into Uganda with false job promises, while others are suspected to be involved in online fraud and related offences,” he said.
The suspects are currently being held at a government facility in Namanve as legal procedures continue.
Ugandan authorities stated that individuals found guilty could face prosecution, deportation, fines, or blacklisting from re-entering the country.
