news 1 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Begins Phased Deportation of 169 Illegal Migrants from Kampala Raid
Uganda has started deporting 169 illegal migrants arrested in a Kampala apartment complex for working without permits, with the process phased due to limited flight availability. The group, mainly from Pakistan and involved in illegal IT operations, was fined and is being sent back to their home countries. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-deports-over-160-illegal-migrants-5442974
Uganda’s government has launched the deportation of 169 illegal migrants detained during an intelligence operation in Kampala’s Bukoto suburb on Monday night. The arrests targeted individuals violating immigration laws by working on visitor visas without permits.
Assistant Commissioner Robert Kahwa Kato announced that 23 were deported yesterday, 18 are scheduled today, with the rest to follow by Monday. Limited flight capacity necessitates this phased approach, he explained.
The migrants, including 36 women, hail primarily from Pakistan, alongside nationals from India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Each paid a $400 fine (about Shs1.5m) and their return tickets upon conviction.
Security recovered numerous computers and IT equipment from the self-contained apartment complex, used for illegal gaming, betting, and scamming, according to Ministry spokesperson Simon Peter Mundeyi.
Kato highlighted how such violations lead to tax evasion and revenue loss. Separately, 62 Nigerians arrested in Adjumani for similar issues remain under interrogation.
The Ministry urges the public to report suspicious immigrants and landlords to verify tenants’ status.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)