Kampala – Ugandan authorities have arrested 231 foreign nationals in a crackdown on illegal immigrants and undocumented businesses in Kampala, with officers seizing computers and information technology equipment allegedly used for illegal gaming, betting and organised scams.
Interior Ministry spokesperson Simon Mundeyi confirmed the arrests, saying all 231 individuals were “currently undergoing rigorous screening and processing.” Among those detained were dozens of men and women found in a Bukoto apartment complex without valid immigration documents.
The suspects come from a range of countries including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Malaysia. The presence of specialised IT equipment at the raided premises suggested the compound was being used as a hub for cross-border digital fraud.
Mundeyi said those held fell into three categories: suspected victims of trafficking, alleged perpetrators and individuals who had overstayed their visas. “Some individuals have claimed they were trafficked into Uganda with promises of employment. Others were engaged in cyber-scamming activities. A few were found in possession of materials suggesting involvement in other criminal activities,” he said.
Those found to have broken Ugandan law will face prosecution. “Those found in violation of Ugandan immigration laws will face prosecution in accordance with the country’s laws,” Mundeyi said, adding that “cases involving suspected trafficking or criminal activity will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for further investigation.” Victims of trafficking and visa overstayers will be assisted in leaving the country once they secure their own travel tickets, while suspected ringleaders of trafficking networks face formal charges and potential deportation.
The inclusion of West African nationals among those detained raises questions about the future of intra-African mobility. While Uganda maintains a visa-free or visa-on-arrival policy for many African citizens to promote continental integration, authorities made clear that this openness does not extend to unregulated residency or unlawful business activity.
Uganda has long maintained a reputation for welcoming foreigners, hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing conflict in neighbouring countries. The crackdown signals a move towards stricter enforcement, with the Ministry stating its commitment to ensuring all foreign nationals are “fully documented and compliant with national regulations.” Mundeyi urged members of the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest immigration office or police station.
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