- A court in Busia issued a deportation order against 11 foreign nationals found to have entered Uganda unlawfully
- The 11 individuals, comprising Somali and Ethiopian nationals, appeared before the court on Wednesday, October 14
- All 11 accused pleaded guilty to illegal entry, prompting the court to proceed with the deportation directive
Nancy Odindo is a current affairs writer at Tuko.co.ke (joined in 2023). She has one year of experience in print and more than five years in digital media.
Uganda: A court sitting in Busia has ordered the deportation of 11 foreign nationals after they admitted to entering the country illegally.
Source: Twitter
The individuals in question are Somali and Ethiopian nationals who appeared before the court on charges of unlawful entry into Uganda on Wednesday, October 14.
Foreigners plead guilty to charges
According to a report by NTV Uganda, all 11 pleaded guilty to the offence, clearing the way for the presiding court to issue the deportation order.
The guilty pleas entered by all the accused meant the court could proceed directly to issuing the deportation directive without a prolonged trial.
Uganda's Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control mandates that foreign nationals found entering, staying, or working in the country without proper authorisation face prosecution, detention, or deportation depending on the nature of their cases.
Following the court's ruling, the relevant immigration authorities are expected to process and execute the removal of the 11 nationals in accordance with established procedures.
Busia border and immigration enforcement
Busia serves as one of the busiest border crossings between Uganda and Kenya, handling significant volumes of people and goods moving between the two countries.
Its strategic location has made it a focal point for Ugandan immigration enforcement efforts targeting irregular entry and suspected human smuggling networks.
Meanwhile, Ugandan authorities have previously mounted operations around the Busia crossing targeting persons suspected of irregular migration and human smuggling, reflecting the government's broader focus on border security in the region.
Uganda orders arrest of citizens crossing to Kenya
In other news, Uganda directed the arrest of citizens who cross into Kenya to participate in voter registration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Source: Twitter
The order named eight border districts and called on local leaders and security agencies to monitor the situation.
The directive followed unverified reports that Ugandans may be registering as voters in Kenya, amid accusations by some Kenyan leaders that voters are being brought across the border to influence the election.
Uganda says involvement in another country’s electoral process would violate its sovereignty.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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