Fresh controversy has erupted over the continued detention of 62 Nigerians in Uganda, with claims that the detainees have been denied access to legal representation.
The Nigerians, reportedly members of a Christian missionary group known as Life Mission, were arrested by Ugandan immigration authorities over allegations of illegally operating churches.
The country’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control confirmed the arrests in a statement shared on its X handle, noting that the operation was carried out on April 27, 2026, in Adjumani and the Bukoto–Ntinda area of Kampala.
However, a Ugandan lawyer, Israel Mivule, engaged by the group, alleged that authorities barred him from meeting the detainees during a visit to the detention facility on Friday.
Mivule told our correspondent that despite identifying himself as legal counsel, he was denied entry and instructed to seek clearance from senior officials in Kampala.
“I arrived at the facility in Namawme and introduced myself as a lawyer acting on instructions, but I was refused access.
I even requested to speak with at least one detainee to assess their condition, but the officer declined, saying it could cost him his job,” he said.
He described the development as a violation of the detainees’ fundamental rights, stressing that Ugandan laws guarantee access to legal representation and fair hearing.
According to him, the detainees were visible within the premises but appeared cut off from communication with the outside world.
“From where I stood, I could see them moving around, but they had no access to phones or any means of communication. Preventing them from speaking with their lawyers or family members is a clear infringement on their rights,” he added.
The lawyer said he was eventually forced to leave after spending hours at the facility without gaining access.
He disclosed that steps were being taken to challenge the detention, including possible legal action if diplomatic efforts fail.
Mivule also hinted at ongoing engagement with the Nigerian mission in Uganda, noting that discussions had been initiated regarding possible waivers and intervention by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
“If there is no prompt response, we will escalate the matter to court to seek an order for their immediate release,” he said.
Further findings revealed that the body responsible for regulating missionary activities in Uganda had expressed surprise over the arrests.
Documents obtained on Sunday showed that the National Fellowship of Born Again Pentecostal Churches in Uganda had earlier recognised the group’s operations in the country.
In a letter dated August 15, 2025, addressed to the Nigerian High Commission in Kampala, the fellowship described the mission, identified as Exalting Jesus Life Missions, as a known non-profit organisation permitted to carry out missionary activities, particularly among refugees.
The letter, signed by its General Secretary, Bishop Dr Africano Magyezi, stated that the group had been active in Uganda since 2023 and had approval to bring volunteers for humanitarian work.
Efforts to get a reaction from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission were unsuccessful, as its spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, did not respond to calls or messages as of the time of filing this report.