The Ministry of Internal Affairs has arrested 231 illegal immigrants, during two major enforcement operations against irregular migration in Kampala City and Adjumani district as part of a nationwide commitment to national security and the rule of law.
According to the ministry spokesperson Mundeyi Simon Peter, the operation carried out by the National Citizenship and Immigration Control (NCIC), followed credible intelligence, which led to enforcement teams arresting 62 Nigerian nationals in Adjumani District on Monday.
“The group was found operating illegally, specifically without valid work permits, while engaged in activities that included the operation of a church” he said.
Mundeyi further noted that during another intelligence-led operation conducted 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 immigration 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” he said.
Mundeyi noted that upon searching the premises, officers recovered a significant cache of computers and IT equipment used to facilitate illegal gaming, betting, and organized 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, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia and Malaysia” he said.
Mundeyi said preliminary processing indicates varied circumstances among those arrested, with some individuals claiming they were trafficked into Uganda with promises of employment while other were engaged in cyber-scamming activities, a few were found in possession of materials suggesting involvement in other criminal activities” he said.
Mundeyi revealed that all 231 individuals arrested across these two operations are currently undergoing rigorous screening and processing.
“Those found in violation of Ugandan immigration 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” he said.
Mundeyi further noted that the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the NCIC remain committed to ensuring that all foreign nationals residing or working within the country’s borders are fully documented and compliant with national regulations.
