Authorities in Uganda have arrested 62 Nigerian nationals for allegedly operating a church illegally and violating immigration laws, the country’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control said on Wednesday.
The agency said the arrests were made in Adjumani district following intelligence reports that the group was working without valid permits.
“Following a tip-off, our enforcement team arrested 62 Nigerian nationals operating illegally in Adjumani (without work permits),” the Directorate posted on its official X account.
Officials said the suspects were found running a church and engaging in other undisclosed activities deemed unlawful under Uganda’s immigration framework. Some of the detainees allegedly posed as gospel preachers while carrying out activities considered irregular by the government.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, said preliminary investigations showed conflicting accounts from the suspects.
“Some claimed they were lured into Uganda with false job promises, while others are suspected to be involved in online fraud and related offences,” Mundeyi said.
The 62 detainees are currently held at a government facility in Namanve for legal processing. Ugandan officials said those found culpable could face prosecution, deportation, fines, or blacklisting from re-entering the country.
The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control did not disclose the name of the church or provide further details on the “undisclosed activities.”
