Security and the Ministry of Internal Affairs say that some of the immigrants, who pose security risk, are working in factories, shops, supermarkets and furniture shops across the country

Simon Peter Mundeyi, the Ministry of Internal Affairs spokesperson

The Ugandan Department of Inspection and Legal Services, under the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, has deported over 300 illegal immigrants.

This followed a six-month security operation targeting illegal immigrants between July and December 2023. 

The initiative led to the removal of 309 individuals and the identification of 36 trafficking victims.

Simon Mundeyi, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, stated a total of 1,655 foreign nationals were suspected of residing illegally in the country. 

“Raids were conducted on locations believed to harbour undocumented individuals, and those without proper documentation, such as passports, work permits, or dependent passes, were apprehended,” he observed. 

“36 individuals were victims of human trafficking. These individuals received appropriate support and were referred to relevant authorities for further assistance.”

Security and the Ministry of Internal Affairs say that some of the immigrants, who pose security risk, are working in factories, shops, supermarkets and furniture shops across the country. 

There are those whose entry into the country is suspicious while others overstayed without renewing their work permits and other travel documents.

Each day, a foreigner who illegally lives in the country incurs a fine of USD 20 and those who have since been deported were fined for up to 90 days of illegally living in Uganda.

Agnes Igoye, the Deputy National Coordinator of the Trafficking in Persons Department in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, recently said some foreigners are smuggled into the country through porous borders and sometimes through gazetted borders like Malaba, where checks are often abused.

 This she bases on Ethiopians who were intercepted at the start of this month being trafficked into the country via the Malaba border point.

Mundeyi said in the recent operation, 309 individuals were deemed ineligible to remain in Uganda and were removed from the country through organised departures or, in some cases, deportation. 

Additionally, 80 individuals contested their arrests and appealed to the Minister of Internal Affairs. Their cases are currently under review.

62 individuals managed to regularise their stay in Uganda by acquiring the necessary permits and documentation, such as work permits, student passes, or certificates of residence.

“Furthermore, 23 individuals identified as asylum seekers were referred to the Office of the Prime Minister for further processing. Additionally, 853 individuals, while possessing valid permits, were found to be without identification documents at the time of their arrest.”

“292 files were closed after investigation,” added Mundeyi.

As of January 2024, 348 foreigners were investigated and 27 were deported