Hundreds detained in Uganda amid human trafficking concerns

Ugandan authorities have detained more than 230 foreigners in a sweeping crackdown on illegal migration, officials said, as the government intensifies efforts to curb undocumented activity across the country, reports Africa News with AP on April 29th.

The arrests, carried out since April 27th, targeted groups in northern Uganda as well as individuals living in a closed compound in the capital, Kampala. According to officials, the operation uncovered what appeared to be highly controlled living arrangements, raising concerns about possible exploitation.

Immigration Department spokesperson Simon Peter Mundeyi said many of those detained were found without any form of identification. “They had no passports, no ID, nothing at all,” he said, adding that the Kampala compound was self-contained, with facilities including a restaurant and recreational spaces. Despite this, occupants were allegedly not allowed to leave or receive visitors.

Authorities believe the individuals may have been brought into the country under false pretences. The foreign ministry has suggested that human trafficking networks or cyber scam operations could be linked to their presence in Uganda.

Mundeyi explained that those involved typically enter the country separately before regrouping. “They come in as individuals, and upon entry they form these larger illegal groups,” he said. Officials suspect that some may have been lured with promises of employment, only to have their passports confiscated upon arrival.

Investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for organizing the operation. Authorities say they are searching for individuals believed to be holding the migrants’ documents and overseeing their stay.

Those detained are currently being processed and fall into several categories, including suspected trafficking victims, perpetrators, and individuals accused of overstaying their visas.

The arrests mark one of the largest recent enforcement actions as Uganda steps up efforts to tackle illegal migration and related criminal networks.

Africa News with AP, Maghrebi.org