The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) has arrested three suspects, including Ugandan and Nigerian nationals, in connection with an alleged international drug trafficking and impersonation racket operating in Kampala.
Immigration spokesperson Simon Mundeyi identified the suspects as Nigerian nationals Ikemefuna Testimony Udo and Ikemefuna Anointing, who were allegedly working with Mugisha Keith King, a Ugandan resident of Nsansa in Kira Municipality.
The trio was arrested during an intelligence-led operation targeting a suspected criminal network believed to be involved in large-scale drug trafficking, document fraud and impersonation activities both in Uganda and abroad. Authorities say the syndicate has been operating from Kampala while coordinating illegal activities across several countries.
According to preliminary investigations, Mugisha is believed to be the mastermind behind the operation and has reportedly been working with several foreign nationals. Immigration officials revealed that Mugisha was previously convicted in Kenya in 2010 after he was arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport while allegedly transporting cocaine from Brazil. He reportedly served a 12-year prison sentence.
Searches conducted at his residence and workplace uncovered multiple passports from different countries, including Seychelles, the Kingdom of Eswatini, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Brazil. Investigators also recovered national identity cards from Kenya and Nigeria.
Security agencies further recovered a pistol, live ammunition, military attire, a satellite phone and several suspected forged documents bearing insignia from the Office of the President and other institutions. Officials also found a fake identification card purportedly linked to the President’s Office.
Immigration authorities say Mugisha’s spouse, identified as Nigerian national Ikemefuna Winner Chekwubechukwu, is currently on the run in Brazil. She is accused of fraudulently acquiring a Ugandan national identity card.
Mundeyi alleged that Mugisha frequently used luxury vehicles fitted with illegal sirens and dressed in military-style attire to evade security checks and intimidate the public. He reportedly posed as an official attached to the President’s Office or a member of the armed forces, while his bodyguard allegedly wore camouflage uniforms to reinforce the deception in Nsansa.
“He drives luxury vehicles with illegal sirens and wears military jackets to avoid security checks. He has been impersonating officials from the President’s Office and the armed forces, while his guard also dresses in military camouflage to appear like a soldier,” Mundeyi said.
Authorities also claim the suspect masqueraded as a diplomat, with a signpost mounted outside his residence branding it as an “Ambassador’s Residence.” Security agencies are now collaborating with international partners to track down additional members of the network, many of whom are believed to be Nigerian nationals.
Mundeyi said investigations into the immigration status of the suspects are ongoing, warning that Uganda maintains a zero-tolerance policy on drug trafficking, illegal possession of military equipment and identity fraud. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals involved in criminal activities.
The arrests come amid intensified nationwide operations targeting illegal immigrants and transnational criminal networks. In recent days, Immigration authorities deported more than 300 foreign nationals arrested during enforcement operations across the country.
Among those arrested were more than 160 foreigners found in a house in Bukoto, Kampala, originating from countries including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Nepal, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia. Authorities also arrested 62 Nigerian nationals in Adjumani District in northern Uganda over allegations of operating church activities without valid work permits-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com–
