Uganda authorities have detained 62 Nigerians for allegedly operating a church and working without valid permits, with officials saying they face possible prosecution and deportation.
Authorities in Uganda have detained 62 Nigerians for allegedly operating a church and residing in the country without valid permits. In a statement posted on its X handle on Wednesday, the National Citizenship and Immigration Control said the arrests followed a tip-off indicating the group was carrying out activities without proper authorisation.
“Following a tip-off, our enforcement team has arrested 62 Nigerian nationals operating illegally in Adjumani (without work permits),” the statement reads. “The group, primarily found operating a church among other things, is now being processed for prosecution under Uganda’s immigration.” Officials said the individuals were apprehended in Adjumani, where they were allegedly engaged in unauthorised operations.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, said the Nigerians are currently being held at the Namanve facility while undergoing legal processes that could lead to deportation, fines or blacklisting. “They often pose as gospel preachers while engaging in other irregular activities. Acting on intelligence, we moved in and apprehended them,” Mundeyi said.
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