62 Nigerian Missionaries Freed in Uganda Return Home
62 Nigerian Missionaries Freed in Uganda Return Home
Sixty-two Nigerian Christian missionaries who were previously detained in Uganda have been released and are expected to return to Nigeria on Thursday.
The development was reported by Punch Newspapers, which said the group, linked to a Christian missionary organization known as Life Mission, had been held by Ugandan immigration authorities over allegations of operating churches without proper authorisation.
Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control confirmed the arrests in a statement shared on its official X account. The operation reportedly took place on April 27, 2026, in Adjumani and parts of Kampala, including the Bukoto–Ntinda area.
The missionaries were said to have been taken into custody during enforcement actions targeting foreign religious activities considered to be in breach of immigration regulations.
However, the mission group has disputed the allegations. Its Executive Director, Michael ChristisKing, told Punch Newspapers in an interview that the detained Nigerians were part of a structured Christian outreach program focused on humanitarian and cross-cultural work, not unlawful religious operations.
Also Read: FCT Pastor Remanded Over Alleged Rape Charges
He said the charges were eventually withdrawn and arrangements were made for their return.
“The 62 Nigerian missionaries are expected back in Nigeria tomorrow, Thursday. Their release has been facilitated and their return tickets rescheduled after the charges were dropped,” he said.
Initial reports indicated that Ugandan authorities had proposed financial penalties as part of the release conditions. Each detainee was reportedly expected to pay a $400 fine, along with an additional $100 for flight rescheduling, amounting to $500 per person.
ChristisKing later stated that the penalties were cancelled, leaving only the cost of rescheduled travel tickets.
He also maintained that the group had followed due process before entering Uganda, saying approvals were obtained from relevant authorities, including offices connected to refugee coordination and recognised religious bodies in the country.
Also Read: CAC Warns Against Fake Messages Circulating Online
A document reviewed by Punch Newspapers showed that a Ugandan Pentecostal fellowship had acknowledged the group’s presence and described the mission as a recognised non-profit organization engaged in volunteer and refugee-focused ministry activities since 2023.
The fellowship also noted that the organization had previously planned to bring over 100 Nigerian missionaries and Ugandan volunteers for its program.
The case had earlier raised concerns after reports emerged that some of the detained Nigerians experienced health challenges while in custody, including an alleged outbreak of illness within the detention facility.
With their release now confirmed, the missionaries are expected to reunite with their families in Nigeria, bringing closure to a case that drew attention across both religious and diplomatic circles.
source: THE PUNCHNG
Content Credit: Azeez Amosun
Image Credit: Google.com
