Sixty-seven nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been arraigned before the Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court on allegations of illegally entering Uganda without valid immigration documents.
The group appeared before Grade One Magistrate Selsa Biwaga on Tuesday following their arrest in Masaka City.
According to the prosecution, led by Abraham Akandehako, 54 of the accused adults are alleged to have entered Uganda unlawfully and remained in the country without the required travel and identification documents.
“The accused persons were found at Sumayiya Church in Nyendo-Mukungwe Division, Masaka City, where they had gathered for prayers on Sunday,” Akandehako told the court.
The prosecution informed court that although 67 Congolese nationals were arrested, only 54 adults were formally charged. Thirteen minors were not charged due to their age.
Most of the accused pleaded guilty to the charges during the court proceedings.
However, one of the suspects, identified as Amin Ibrahim, denied the allegations and maintained that he is a Ugandan citizen.
“I am a Ugandan and I possess a Ugandan national identification card,” Ibrahim told the court while rejecting the charges against him.
Court is expected to determine the next course of action for the accused persons following their pleas.
The case comes amid continued efforts by immigration authorities to enforce compliance with Uganda’s immigration laws and regulations governing entry and residence in the country.
Masaka, located along key transport corridors linking Uganda to neighbouring countries, has increasingly become a transit and settlement point for migrants, traders and travellers from across the region.
Authorities say cross-border movements remain important for regional trade and integration but must be conducted in accordance with immigration requirements to safeguard national security and ensure proper documentation of foreign nationals entering the country.