MASAKA — Police in Masaka City have arrested 67 Congolese nationals over allegations that they entered Uganda illegally and settled in the country without valid immigration documents.
The group was arrested on Sunday during a police operation at Sumayiya Church in Nyendo-Mukungwe Division.
Police said the church belongs to the Born Again denomination.
The 67 people include 54 adults and 13 children.
Southern Regional Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye said the group was attending a Sunday service when security personnel rounded them up.
“The group was apprehended at a church known as Sumayiya Church, which is used by Born Again Christians,” Kasirye said on Monday.
Police Say Group Had No Valid Documents
According to police, preliminary investigations indicate that the Congolese nationals had lived in Uganda for more than two years.
Security officials said the group fled the Democratic Republic of Congo after conflict broke out in their home areas.
Police said the individuals had been staying in different parts of Nyendo Division.
These areas include Kaddugala, Mukudde, Mukungwe and Kako.
Kasirye said the group regularly gathered at Sumayiya Church for Sunday prayers.
He added that officers found that the suspects did not have valid immigration documents.
Police said they are being held at Masaka Central Police Station.
Police Warn Religious Institutions
Kasirye said police intend to prefer charges of illegal entry against the adults after completing investigations.
“The group will be arraigned in court and charged accordingly,” Kasirye said.
Police also cautioned religious institutions against hosting foreign nationals without verifying their legal status.
Security authorities warned that doing so could violate immigration regulations.
The police said churches and other institutions should work with the relevant authorities when dealing with foreign nationals who lack documentation.
The arrests have brought fresh attention to immigration enforcement in Masaka and the legal status of foreign nationals who enter Uganda after fleeing conflict.
