The Ugandan government has begun the phased deportation of 169 foreign nationals who were arrested earlier this week in the Bukoto–Ntinda area of Kampala over illegal stay and suspected cyber-related activities.
According to immigration officials, all the suspects were processed, investigated, and found to have breached Uganda’s immigration laws.
Each of them was fined Shs1.47 million ( USD 400) and required to pay for their own return air tickets before deportation.
Robert Kato Kahwa, the Assistant Commissioner from the Department of Inspection and Compliance said the removals started on Friday, May 1, 2026, with the exercise being conducted in phases due to limited flight availability.
“Yesterday we took the first batch of 23. This morning we have taken another 18, and later today and tomorrow we shall take more. The challenge we have is that most of the flights are full, which is why we cannot remove them all at once,” Kahwa said.
The group comprises nationals from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Of the 169 arrested, 128 are female while 41 are male.
Immigration authorities said the individuals were found engaging in work activities while holding visitor visas, which is a violation of Uganda’s immigration regulations.
“If you are using a visitor’s visa, you are not supposed to work. Once we find you in a work environment without a valid work permit, then you have already breached the immigration laws of Uganda,” he explained.
Ugandans have been urged to report suspected illegal immigrants within their communities.
“If in your communities you have immigrants you are not certain about, please report to the Directorate of Immigration and we shall take the necessary action. Any information given to us, we shall act accordingly,” Kahwa added.
Authorities say all the remaining individuals will be deported as scheduled once flights become available.
