Uganda detains 231 foreigners in crackdown on illegal migration

Ugandan authorities have detained 231 foreigners, including 36 women, in a major crackdown on illegal migration linked to suspected human trafficking and cybercrime operations. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the arrests were made during coordinated operations targeting groups of foreign nationals in northern Uganda and the capital, Kampala. Those detained include individuals from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Malaysia. 
According to the officials, many of them were found living in a highly restricted apartment complex with controlled movement, and several did not possess valid travel documents. Authorities said that some detainees claimed they had been trafficked into Uganda with promises of employment, while others were allegedly involved in online fraud activities. Victims and those without criminal involvement will be assisted to return to their home countries, while suspected ringleaders will face prosecution and possible deportation. 
Uganda has a reputation for welcoming foreigners, hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing violent conflict in neighboring countries such as Congo, Burundi and South Sudan. For short visits, entry visas are not required for people from many countries in Africa and elsewhere.