Ugandan Police Arrest 67 Undocumented Congolese Nationals During Church Raid

Ugandan police arrested 67 Congolese nationals, including 54 adults and 13 children, on Sunday, June 15, 2026, at a Pentecostal church in the Nyendo-Mukungwe Division of Masaka City.

Authorities say the group lacked valid immigration documents permitting their stay in the country.

Greater Masaka Regional Police Spokesperson Twaha Kasirye confirmed the arrests, stating that the individuals were found attending a church service. He said community members raised concerns about the large gathering of foreigners, which prompted an intelligence-led operation carried out with local collaboration.

“We have in our custody 67 Congolese nationals, among them 54 adults and 13 children. They had no documentation permitting entry into Uganda,” Kasirye said. The group is being processed for court appearance, where a magistrate will decide on remand, possible fines, or deportation to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Some members of the group are reported to have lived in Uganda for more than two years without proper permits. Under Uganda’s Citizenship and Immigration Control Act, non-citizens must hold a valid entry permit, certificate of permanent residence, or pass to remain in the country. Violations can result in fines of up to UGX 2 million (about USD 550), imprisonment for up to three years, or both, in addition to deportation.

The incident comes amid heightened security and public health concerns along Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Eastern DRC continues to face armed conflict and displacement, while a new Ebola outbreak (Bundibugyo strain) declared in mid-May 2026 in Ituri Province has prompted strict border measures. Uganda has closed much of its border with the DRC, with limited exceptions for essential services, and stepped up screening and deportations to prevent disease transmission.

Uganda hosts hundreds of thousands of refugees from the DRC in formal settlements. However, irregular migration and overstaying by some individuals have raised local concerns about pressure on resources, security risks, and potential health threats. Similar operations have been conducted in other border areas, including Pakwach, resulting in additional arrests and returns.

Police have emphasised nationwide enforcement of immigration laws, describing unauthorised cross-border movements as a threat to national security and public order. Community reactions in Masaka and on social media have been mixed, with some residents supporting stricter controls while others have called for clarification on the humanitarian circumstances of the arrested group, particularly the presence of children and elderly people. Health officials continue to monitor for imported cases, with some local transmissions already recorded.

The arrested Congolese nationals remain in police custody as investigations and legal proceedings continue. Their court appearance is expected in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Ugandan authorities have urged all foreign nationals to regularise their status through proper channels to avoid similar enforcement actions.