67 Congolese arrested from Masaka church over illegal entry into Uganda

The police on Sunday raided a church in Masaka City and arrested 67 Congolese nationals for illegally gaining entry and settling in Uganda.

The dozens, which include 54 adults and 13 children, were believed to have been in the country for over two years and were attending a service at Sumayiya Church in Nyendo-Mukungwe, belonging to the Born Again denomination, when the security rounded them up.

“The group was apprehended at a church known as Sumayiya Church, which is used by Born Again Christians,” Southern Regional Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye said on Monday.

Security says the Congolese national fled their home country after conflicts broke out about two years ago. They are being held at Masaka Central Police Station.

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The Police spokesperson explained that the suspects were residing in different parts of Nyendo Division, including Kaddugala, Mukudde, Mukungwe and Kako, among others, but would regularly gather at the church for Sunday services.

He added that Police preliminary investigations discovered that the group lacked valid immigration documents, noting that a charge of illegal entry into the country will be preferred against them.

Police have also cautioned religious institutions against hosting foreign nationals without verifying their legal status, warning that such actions could contravene immigration regulations.

“The group will be arraigned in court and charged accordingly,” Kasirye said.