Ugandan authorities have begun a coordinated deportation operation involving 169 foreign nationals who were found to be in violation of the country’s immigration laws. The deportations, which started on May 1, are being implemented in phases due to logistical constraints, including limited flight availability.
The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, the individuals were identified during recent enforcement operations targeting undocumented residence, visa overstays, and suspected involvement in cyber-related fraud networks. Authorities say all those affected were processed under immigration law, fined according to regulations, and required to fund their own return travel to their countries of origin.
The government confirmed that an initial group of 23 deportees was removed on the first day of the operation, with additional batches expected to follow in the coming days. Officials say the process is part of a broader national effort to tighten immigration enforcement and improve oversight of foreign nationals living and working in the country.
The deported individuals reportedly come from 12 countries across Asia and Africa, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Ethiopia, and Ghana.
Authorities have framed the operation as part of ongoing efforts to address illegal stay, document fraud, and emerging transnational crime risks. Immigration officials maintain that all procedures are being carried out under Ugandan law, with due administrative processing before removal.
The crackdown comes amid a wider series of security and immigration operations across Uganda in recent weeks, which have seen hundreds of foreign nationals detained for screening. Government officials say further deportations may follow as investigations continue.
