Uganda Arrests Over 200 Foreigners in Crackdown on Illegal Migration and Suspected Trafficking

Authorities in Uganda arrested over 200 foreigners in a crackdown on illegal migration, including some found in a restricted compound in Kampala. Officials suspect links to human trafficking and cybercrime, with some victims allegedly lured by fake job offers and stripped of their documents.

Authorities in Uganda have intensified a crackdown on illegal migration, arresting dozens of foreigners in a series of operations carried out since Monday. In the latest sweep, at least 231 individuals were detained from different locations, including northern parts of the country and a secured residential compound in the capital, Kampala.
According to Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Immigration Department, the individuals were found without any form of identification. He noted that they had no passports or official documents, and were only seen with computers. The compound where some of them were staying appeared to be fully equipped with facilities such as a restaurant and recreational amenities, yet movement was heavily restricted.
He explained that those inside the compound were not allowed to leave or receive visitors, suggesting a controlled and possibly exploitative environment. The conditions raised suspicions about the nature of their stay and the activities being carried out within the premises.
Uganda’s foreign ministry has indicated that the situation may be linked to human trafficking networks and cyber fraud operations. Authorities believe that many of those detained may have entered the country individually under seemingly legitimate circumstances, only to later be grouped into organized operations after arrival.
Mundeyi further explained that this pattern of entry makes it difficult to detect such activities at the border, as individuals do not initially appear suspicious. However, once inside the country, they are allegedly assembled into coordinated groups involved in illegal activities.
Preliminary findings suggest that some of the foreigners may have been lured into Uganda with promises of employment opportunities, only to have their passports confiscated upon arrival. Officials say investigations are ongoing to locate those responsible, particularly individuals believed to be holding the victims’ travel documents and controlling the conditions of their stay.
Authorities have categorized those in custody into different groups, including suspected victims of trafficking, individuals believed to be involved in organizing or facilitating the operations, and others who may have violated immigration laws by overstaying their visas. Investigations are continuing as officials work to uncover the full extent of the network behind the operation and determine appropriate legal action.