Ugandan authorities have released 62 Nigerian missionaries who were detained over allegations of illegally conducting religious activities in the country.
The Nigerians, identified as members of a Christian missionary organisation known as Life Mission, were arrested during immigration operations carried out in Adjumani and parts of Kampala on April 27, 2026.
Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control had announced the arrests days later, accusing the group of operating churches without proper authorisation.
However, the Executive Director of the mission group, Michael ChristisKing, maintained that the missionaries were engaged in humanitarian and evangelical outreach programmes aimed at supporting refugees and vulnerable communities.
Speaking on the development, ChristisKing confirmed that the missionaries had been released after Ugandan authorities dropped all charges against them.
Related News:
Visa Ban, Deportation Fears Drive Nigerians to Self-Deportation
Kenya grants visa-free entry to all Africans
1980 AFCON Hero Henry Nwosu Dies at 62
Uganda Declares 81-Year-Old Museveni Winner, Extends Four-Decade Rule
Terrorists Storm Military Base In Borno, Burn Armoured Vehicles As Casualties Feared Dead
According to him, the group is expected to return to Nigeria on Thursday after arrangements were made to reschedule their flights.
He explained that Ugandan authorities initially demanded financial penalties from the detainees, including a $400 fine and an additional $100 for flight rescheduling for each missionary.
ChristisKing, however, disclosed that the penalties were later cancelled, leaving the missionaries responsible only for the cost of adjusting their travel schedules.
He also rejected claims that the release amounted to deportation, insisting that the missionaries entered Uganda legally and followed all required procedures before embarking on their outreach activities.
According to him, the organisation secured approvals and invitations from relevant Ugandan authorities, including the Office of the Prime Minister, the Commissioner for Refugees, and the Born Again Fellowship of Uganda.
Documents reportedly acknowledged by Ugandan religious authorities showed that the missionary organisation, identified as Exalting Jesus Life Missions, had been operating in Uganda since 2023.
In a letter addressed to the Nigerian High Commission in Kampala, the National Fellowship of Born Again Pentecostal Churches in Uganda reportedly described the organisation as a recognised non-profit body involved in missionary and humanitarian work among refugees.
The fellowship also appealed for support and cooperation for the missionaries during their stay in the country.
Reports had earlier indicated that some of the detained Nigerians developed health complications after an illness allegedly spread within the detention facility before their eventual release.
About The Author
