Uganda Detains 231 Foreigners in Cybercrime Crackdown
Ugandan authorities have detained 231 foreign nationals in a major crackdown on illegal migration and organised crime. The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed the arrests after two raids in Adjumani District and Kampala. Officials say the operations uncovered evidence of human trafficking and cybercrime, marking one of the largest enforcement actions in recent years.
The first raid took place in Adjumani, northern Uganda, where 62 Nigerian nationals were arrested. Authorities said they were living without valid permits and operating an illegal church. The second raid was carried out overnight in Kampala’s Bukoto Ntinda area. Security forces detained 169 foreigners, including 36 women, inside a restricted apartment complex. The compound had its own restaurant and facilities designed to limit movement. None of the detainees had identification or travel documents.
During the Kampala operation, officers seized computers and IT equipment believed to be used for illegal gaming, betting, and online scams. The suspects came from several countries, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Authorities believe the site was a hub for cross border fraud.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, said the detainees fall into three groups: suspected victims of trafficking, alleged perpetrators, and visa overstayers. He explained that some claimed they were trafficked with false promises of jobs, while others were directly involved in cyber scamming.
Ugandan officials say those found guilty of breaking immigration laws will face prosecution. Cases involving trafficking or organised crime will be referred to law enforcement agencies. Victims and overstayers will be assisted to leave the country once they secure travel tickets, while suspected ringleaders face deportation and criminal charges.
The arrests included Ghanaian and Nigerian nationals, raising questions about intra African mobility. Uganda has traditionally maintained visa free or visa on arrival policies to encourage integration, but authorities stress that this does not permit unregulated residency. Analysts say the crackdown highlights growing scrutiny of migrant communities and could lead to tighter enforcement of work permits and residency rules across the East African Community.
Uganda is known for hosting large refugee populations from neighbouring countries. However, officials say the rise of cybercrime and trafficking networks requires stronger border control. The Ministry of Internal Affairs insists all foreigners must be properly documented and compliant with national regulations. Mundeyi urged the public to report suspicious activities to immigration offices or police stations.
