news 16 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
67 Congolese Nationals Ordered Deported from Uganda for Illegal Entry
A Masaka court has ordered the deportation of 67 Congolese nationals found to have entered Uganda illegally. The group, including adults and children, was apprehended at a church in Masaka City. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/67-congolese-nationals-face-deportation-for-entering-uganda-illegally--5498240
Masaka Grade One Magistrate, Her Worship Selsa Biwaga, has ruled for the deportation of 67 nationals from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The individuals were apprehended on Sunday while attending service at Sumayiya Church in Masaka City.
During a court session on Tuesday, the group was found guilty of illegally entering and residing in Uganda without proper travel documentation. The prosecution presented evidence that 54 of the adults lacked the necessary identification or permits to be in the country.
While most of the accused admitted to the charges, one individual, Amin Ibrahim, denied the accusation, claiming his Ugandan national identity card was confiscated upon arrest. He will have a separate hearing on July 2 after failing to secure bail due to issues with his sureties’ documentation.
The court considered the reasons for entry, with some of the Congolese nationals stating they fled conflict in their home country and had been in Uganda for approximately two years. They pleaded for leniency.
Magistrate Biwaga acknowledged the seriousness of the offense, which can carry up to a two-year jail term or a Shs3 million fine. However, she opted for deportation over imprisonment, particularly considering the presence of women with young children among the convicted. The Immigration Department has been instructed to facilitate their return to Congo, and they will remain in custody until repatriation arrangements are finalized.