Adjumani, Uganda: Ugandan immigration authorities have arrested 62 Nigerian nationals in West Nile as part of intensified enforcement operations targeting illegal stay and misuse of immigration permits, officials have confirmed.
The arrests were carried out on Saturday, April 25, 2026, during a coordinated operation by immigration officers in Karoko Cell, Biyaya Parish, Adjumani Town Council.
According to North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson Collins Asea, the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing processing ahead of deportation.
Authorities revealed that the group had initially entered Uganda on August 12, 2025, as part of a larger contingent of 107 individuals. While 43 reportedly returned voluntarily to Nigeria earlier this year, 64 remained in the country, with 62 now arrested.
Police say the Nigerian nationals were issued tourist visas but allegedly engaged in religious outreach activities without the required clearances.
“They initially entered the country to preach the gospel in refugee settlements, but their visas did not permit such activities, and they lacked clearance from the Office of the Prime Minister,” Asea said.
The group had been residing under the care of Bishop Cosmas of Victory Life Church and at the Pentecostal Assembly of God (PAG) Church in Adjumani Town Council.
Despite restrictions linked to the sensitive nature of refugee-hosting areas, the individuals reportedly continued door-to-door preaching within the town.
Authorities noted that their visas had been renewed twice, first in November 2025 and again on March 28, 2026, before enforcement action was triggered following intelligence reports submitted to immigration authorities in Arua.
The arrests form part of a broader operation by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control under the Ministry of Internal Affairs targeting irregular migration and unauthorized foreign activities.
Officials say similar intelligence-led operations have led to the arrest of more than 230 foreign nationals across the country in recent months.
The Adjumani case has raised particular concern due to its proximity to refugee settlements, where activities by foreign nationals require strict coordination with the Office of the Prime Minister.
Immigration authorities have reiterated the need for all foreign nationals to strictly adhere to visa conditions and obtain appropriate permits for any form of work or organised activity.
“Uganda remains open, but compliance with immigration laws is mandatory. Activities in sensitive areas such as refugee-hosting districts must follow proper procedures,” Asea emphasised, adding that monitoring of foreign nationals in the region has been intensified, with further operations expected as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.
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