Ugandan security agencies have detained more than 200 foreign nationals in a sweeping operation targeting illegal immigration, human trafficking networks and suspected cybercrime activities, authorities said Tuesday.
The crackdown, led by the Uganda Police Force and immigration officials under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, began Monday and focused on multiple locations in the capital Kampala as well as northern regions of the country.
According to official statements cited by Associated Press, at least 231 foreign nationals were taken into custody during the coordinated raids.
Authorities said the operation targeted groups suspected of residing in Uganda without valid documentation, overstaying visas, or being linked to organized criminal activity, including cyber scams and human trafficking rings.
Trafficking concerns and restricted compounds
Officials said one of the most significant raids uncovered 169 foreigners living in a tightly controlled residential complex in Kampala, described as “self-contained” and designed to limit movement.
The group included nationals from several countries across Asia and Africa, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana and Myanmar, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Investigators reported that many detainees lacked passports or proper immigration papers, while others claimed they had been lured into Uganda under false promises of employment, raising concerns about trafficking networks operating in the country.
Ugandan officials said those arrested are being screened and categorized into three groups:
Victims of trafficking, who will be assisted to return home, Visa overstayers, who may face deportation and suspected traffickers or criminal actors, who could face prosecution.
The government emphasized that enforcement actions are part of broader efforts to combat transnational crime and regulate migration flows.
Context: tightening enforcement amid migration pressures
Uganda has long maintained an open-door refugee policy, hosting large populations fleeing conflict in neighbouring countries. However, officials say this openness has also created vulnerabilities to irregular migration and cross-border criminal networks.
Recent operations reflect a pattern of increased enforcement by immigration authorities, who have in past years conducted similar crackdowns targeting undocumented migrants and illegal business activities.
The latest raids come amid broader policy debates in Uganda over national security, foreign influence and migration management, as authorities seek to balance openness with tighter controls.
The operation is likely to draw attention across East Africa, where migration, labour mobility and trafficking concerns remain key policy challenges.
For neighbouring countries including Burundi the crackdown underscores growing scrutiny of foreign nationals working or residing without proper documentation in the region.
