Uganda detains 62 Nigerians over alleged illegal church operations

Ugandan authorities have detained 62 Nigerian nationals for allegedly operating a church and residing in the country without valid permits.

The arrests were confirmed by the Ugandan National Citizenship and Immigration Control in a statement posted on X on Wednesday, stating that the action followed a tip-off about illegal activities in Adjumani.

According to the agency, the individuals were found engaging in religious activities without the required work authorisation.

“Following a tip-off, our enforcement team has arrested 62 Nigerian nationals operating illegally in Adjumani (without work permits),” the statement read.

The agency added that the group is currently being processed for prosecution under Uganda’s immigration laws.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Simon Peter Mundeyi, said the suspects often present themselves as gospel preachers while allegedly engaging in other unauthorised activities. “They often pose as gospel preachers while engaging in other irregular activities. Acting on intelligence, we moved in and apprehended them,” he said.

Mundeyi disclosed that the suspects are being held at the Namanve facility, where they are undergoing legal processes that could lead to deportation, fines or blacklisting.

He added that preliminary investigations revealed conflicting accounts among the detainees, with some claiming they were lured to Uganda with false job offers, while others are suspected of involvement in online fraud and related offences.