Uganda detains Nigerians legal access denial sparks concern as 62 missionary workers are reportedly refused lawyer access in Kampala and Adjumani

Ugandan immigration authorities have come under scrutiny after 62 Nigerians allegedly affiliated with a Christian missionary group, Life Mission, were detained and reportedly denied access to legal representation following enforcement operations across Adjumani and Kampala.

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The Uganda detains Nigerians legal access denial concerns emerged after officials from the country’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control confirmed the arrests in a statement posted on X, saying the individuals were taken into custody during operations conducted on 27 April 2026.

According to authorities, the detainees were arrested over allegations of illegally operating churches in Uganda, raising questions about compliance with immigration and religious activity regulations.

However, the executive director of Life Mission, Michael ChristisKing, insisted the group was engaged in lawful humanitarian and missionary work, adding that all required approvals had been obtained from relevant Ugandan authorities, including the Office of the Prime Minister and refugee-related agencies.

Fresh controversy deepened after Ugandan lawyer Israel Mivule, who was engaged by the mission group, claimed he was denied access to the detainees during a visit to a detention facility in Namawme.

Mivule described the situation as troubling, stating that he was instructed to seek further permission from senior officials despite identifying himself as legal counsel.

He said he was not allowed even brief contact with any of the detainees, despite observing them within the facility.

The lawyer argued that the restriction constituted a violation of constitutional rights, stressing that detainees are entitled to legal representation and fair hearing under Ugandan law.

He further alleged that the individuals were being held without access to communication devices, preventing contact with family members or legal advisers.

Mivule added that he plans to escalate the matter through Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and potentially seek judicial intervention if diplomatic efforts fail.

He also revealed ongoing discussions involving the Nigerian High Commission in Kampala regarding possible administrative resolutions, including waivers and formal engagement with Ugandan authorities.

A letter dated August 2025 from the National Fellowship of Born Again Pentecostal Churches in Uganda confirmed that the missionary group had been previously recognised and permitted to operate in the country, particularly in refugee outreach programmes.

Despite this, the current detention has sparked concern among legal representatives and human rights observers, who warn that the Uganda detains Nigerians legal access denial case could raise broader questions about due process and treatment of foreign missionaries.

As of press time, the Nigerian Diaspora Commission had not issued a formal response, with spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun unreachable for comment.