Uganda Arrests 62 Nigerians Over Illegal Church Activities, Permit Violations

Authorities in Uganda have detained 62 Nigerian nationals over alleged immigration violations and illegal religious activities.

The arrests, carried out in Adjumani, followed intelligence reports that the individuals were residing and working in the country without valid permits.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Uganda National Citizenship and Immigration Control said its enforcement team acted on a tip-off before apprehending the suspects.

“Following a tip-off, our enforcement team arrested 62 Nigerian nationals operating illegally in Adjumani without work permits,” the agency said.

According to officials, the group was found running a church alongside other activities, all without the required legal authorisation.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Simon Peter Mundeyi, said the suspects are currently in custody at the Namanve holding facility as authorities process their cases.

He explained that preliminary findings suggest some of the individuals entered the country under questionable circumstances, with conflicting accounts emerging during interrogation.

“They often pose as gospel preachers while engaging in other irregular activities. Acting on intelligence, we moved in and apprehended them,” Mundeyi said.

He added that while some of the detainees claimed they were lured into Uganda with promises of employment, others are being investigated for possible involvement in online fraud and related offences.

Officials said the suspects could face prosecution under Uganda’s immigration laws, with possible penalties including fines, deportation or blacklisting.

The development highlights ongoing concerns by Ugandan authorities over illegal migration and unregulated activities by foreign nationals within the country.