Police in Masaka have arrested 67 Congolese nationals over alleged illegal entry into Uganda after they were found staying at a Pentecostal church in Nyendo, Masaka City.
The group including 13 children and 54 adults was arrested from Sumayiya Church following concerns raised by members of the public over the unusually large number of foreign nationals gathered at the place of worship.
According to Twaha Kasirye, thee Greater Masaka Regional police spokesperson, the suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to be taken to court to answer charges related to illegal entry into Uganda.
“We have in our custody 67 Congolese nationals, among them 54 adults and 13 children. They had no documentation permitting entry into Uganda and are currently being processed to appear before court, which will determine whether they are remanded or returned to the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Kasirye said.
Police said intelligence teams launched an operation in collaboration with local residents after concerns emerged about the group’s presence at the church.
Kasirye said authorities strongly condemn illegal cross-border movement and warned that all foreign nationals entering Uganda must follow legal immigration procedures.
He also urged leaders and operators of places of worship, including churches and mosques, to be more vigilant when hosting visitors.
“We call upon owners of places of worship to exercise caution and know the background of the people they accommodate. In this case, the group had been staying at the church without proper verification,” he said.
Police said investigations into the circumstances under which the group entered the country are ongoing.
