OVER 70 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED IN UGANDA

By

Robert Ssewankambo

Officials from the Ugandan Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) recently carried out an operation in Kampala, where over seventy illegal immigrants were arrested.

Those arrested included nationals from Pakistan, Sudan, India, Belgium and Kenya, in an operation which began in the early hours of Saturday 13th September.

Its intention was to prevent illegal immigrants from working in Uganda without the required work permits, the operation targeting workers throughout the nation’s capital.

Spokesman for the DCIC Jacob Siminyu said that “We shall continue to make such operations to ensure that foreigners live in Uganda in accordance with the law, by checking their immigration status.”

Those arrested were suspected to be working, yet reportedly held visitors passes, others holding forged documents and expired immigration permits.

Siminyu went on to say that “Those arrested may be released if they provide the right documents, but those found with no permits will be deported in accordance with the law after paying a fine.”

He urged foreign visitors to always carry their passports with them to avoid being held by the authorities.

Robert Ssewankambo

Robert Ssewankambo is a Ugandan writer. Working currently on a freelance basis, he is a regular contributor to major newspapers in Uganda and electronic online magazines and media sources in Africa, such as the Bukedde newspaper, Hindered radio, Red Pepper, Eddobozzi newspaper and African Interest online.

For media enquiries, contact Robert at the following email address: [email protected]