Written By | Peter Luzinda
All 169 individuals have settled their fines and procured their own return tickets, paving the way for their orderly removal from the country in phases to avoid logistical bottlenecks
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Kampala
Uganda has commenced the phased deportation of 169 foreign nationals arrested in the Bukoto-Ntinda area of Kampala for illegal residence and alleged involvement in cyber-scamming activities.
The deportations began today, Friday, May 1, 2026, following the payment of fines and air tickets by the individuals concerned, according to immigration authorities.
The group comprises nationals from several Asian and African countries, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
The suspects were detained during a recent operation targeting illegal immigrants suspected of operating fraudulent online schemes, commonly known as cyber-scamming. Authorities have not released further details on specific charges or the scale of the alleged scams, but the arrests form part of a broader government effort to curb transnational cybercrime and enforce immigration laws.
A senior immigration official confirmed that all 169 individuals have settled their fines and procured their own return tickets, paving the way for their orderly removal from the country in phases to avoid logistical bottlenecks.
“These operations demonstrate our commitment to national security and the rule of law. We will not allow our territory to be used as a base for criminal enterprises that target innocent people both locally and internationally,” the official stated.
The deportees are expected to be flown out in batches over the coming days under tight security. Ugandan authorities are coordinating with relevant embassies and destination countries to ensure smooth repatriation.
This latest action comes amid growing regional concerns over the rise of cyber-enabled fraud, with East Africa increasingly being used as a hub by international syndicates. Similar operations have been conducted in neighboring countries in recent years.
Local residents in Bukoto-Ntinda welcomed the move, with some reporting reduced suspicious activities in the area following the arrests.
The Uganda Immigration Department has reiterated its call to the public to report suspected illegal immigrants or cybercrime activities, promising swift response and confidentiality where appropriate.
Torch Media Africa
