Uganda detains 62 Nigerians, barred from lawyers

About 62 Nigerians are currently being held by Uganda authorities.

Lawyer contracted to represent them said he was blocked from accessing his clients, raising questions about due process in their detention.

The 62 are members of Christian missionary group Life Mission.

They were arrested on April 27, 2026, in Adjumani and the Bukoto–Ntinda area of Kampala over claims of illegally operating churches, according to Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.

Ugandan lawyer Israel Mivule said he was denied entry to the Namawme detention facility on Friday despite identifying himself as legal counsel for the detainees.

“I arrived at the detention facility in Namawme, a large compound with a high fence and a locked gate. After introducing myself as a lawyer acting on instructions, I was refused access and directed to return to Kampala to obtain permission from senior officials.

“I pleaded with the officer to allow have the right to legal representation and a fair hearing. Under Articles 50 and 51, they have the right to access their lawyers at any time. Denying them that access is a violation of their rights,” he added.

He said the 62 Nigerians had no means of contacting family or counsel while in custody.

“From where I stood, I could see them moving around, but they had no access to communication devices such as mobile phones. Preventing them from communicating with their lawyers or even family members infringes on their fundamental freedoms,” he added.

“There were discussions about payments and possible waivers requested from Internal Affairs, but if the embassy does not act promptly, we, as legal representatives, will formally write and escalate the matter to the courts to obtain an order for their immediate release,” he added.