Uganda begins deportation of 169 foreign nationals over immigration, cybercrime allegations

Africa, Crime Diary

KAMPALA, Uganda (NPA) — The National Citizenship and Immigration Control (NCIC) has commenced the phased deportation of 169 foreign nationals arrested during an intelligence-led operation in the Bukoto-Ntinda area of Kampala over alleged immigration and cybercrime-related offences.

The deportation exercise began on Friday, May 1, 2026, according to Ugandan authorities.

The affected foreign nationals are from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Authorities said some of the deportees were involved in illegal residency and alleged cyber-scamming activities, while others were found working in violation of Uganda’s immigration laws.

The suspects were arrested during a coordinated intelligence operation and processed at the headquarters of the Ministry of Internal Affairs before deportation procedures commenced.

Officials disclosed that all the deportees had paid the required fines and provided air tickets for their return to their respective countries.

Of the 169 deportees, 141 are males while 28 are females.

The NCIC said investigations revealed that many of the foreign nationals lacked the legal qualifications and permits required to work in Uganda.