The Ministry of Internal Affairs said those detained also included nationals of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Malaysia.
Ugandan authorities have arrested 62 Nigerians and 169 other foreigners in a nationwide crackdown on illegal migration linked to suspected human trafficking and cybercrime activities.
The arrests, which began on Monday, followed security operations targeting a group of Nigerians living in northern Uganda and another cluster of foreign nationals residing in a restricted compound in Kampala, Los Angeles Time reports.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs said those detained also included nationals of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Malaysia.
Officials said many of the suspects were unable to produce passports or valid immigration documents during the operation.
According to the ministry, 169 people were found at the Kampala compound, including 36 women.
Ugandan authorities also said that 62 Nigerians were arrested in a separate operation carried out on April 27, 2026. The individuals were allegedly operating without valid work permits and were engaged in activities that included running a church.
The ministry described the premises as “a highly restricted, self-contained apartment complex equipped with its own restaurant and internal facilities designed to restrict movement.”
Authorities said the raids were based on intelligence indicating that large groups of foreigners were living or working in Uganda without the required permits.
“Some individuals have claimed they were trafficked into Uganda with promises of employment,” the ministry said in a statement.
“Others were engaged in cyber-scamming activities. A few were found in possession of materials suggesting involvement in other criminal activities.”
Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesman for the ministry, said suspected trafficking victims and visa overstayers would be assisted to leave Uganda after buying their own tickets, while alleged trafficking ringleaders would be prosecuted and could later be deported.
