Authorities in Uganda have intensified efforts to curb illegal immigration, leading to the arrest of 177 foreign nationals in a coordinated security operation across Kampala’s suburbs of Kabalagala, Kansanga, and Muyenga.
The suspects, who hail from various countries, including Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Sweden, are currently undergoing processing for possible prosecution.
The operation, spearheaded by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC), is part of an ongoing nationwide effort to enforce immigration laws and regulate the influx of undocumented foreigners. According to DCIC officials, the suspects were apprehended for either overstaying their visas, lacking proper documentation, or engaging in activities outside their visa provisions.
“This crackdown is meant to ensure that all foreign nationals residing in Uganda comply with the immigration laws,” a senior DCIC official said. “Those found without legal documents will be subjected to legal procedures, including possible deportation.”
This is not the first large-scale immigration enforcement effort. In July 2024, Ugandan authorities arrested 135 illegal immigrants in similar operations across Kampala, targeting key areas such as Ggaba Road and the central business district. Immigration experts have long pointed to Uganda’s porous borders, especially along the Uganda-Kenya corridor, as a major challenge in controlling illegal migration and unregulated cross-border trade.
A 2013 report revealed that approximately 69% of irregular migrants identified in Uganda were eventually deported. The government has since strengthened border controls and implemented measures to monitor the movements of foreign nationals.
The DCIC has urged all non-citizens residing in Uganda to ensure they possess the necessary legal documents to avoid arrest and deportation. In previous directives, authorities warned foreign students and workers to acquire valid permits, emphasizing that failure to comply with immigration laws could lead to serious consequences.
With this latest operation, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing immigration regulations and ensuring that all foreign nationals in Uganda adhere to legal residency requirements. Authorities have hinted at more operations in the coming weeks as part of a broader strategy to address illegal immigration.
