Uganda arrests 169 foreign nationals over illegal betting and online scam operations in Kampala
Officials said the suspects were living in a guarded apartment complex with restricted entry and exit points.
Uganda.- Ugandan security agencies have arrested 169 foreign nationals in Kampala following a coordinated raid on a Bukoto residential complex allegedly used for illegal betting, online fraud and possible human trafficking activities.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the arrests were made during overnight enforcement operations carried out on Monday, April 27 by immigration and security officials. Authorities said computers, electronic devices and other IT equipment believed to have been used for illegal gaming, betting and online scam activities were recovered from the premises.
Officials said the suspects were living in a guarded apartment complex with restricted entry and exit points. The group included nationals from several Asian and African countries. Many of those arrested allegedly did not have passports or valid immigration documents at the time of the operation.
The Ministry said investigators are probing potential connections between the operation and organised cybercrime and illegal gambling networks beyond Uganda’s regulated gaming framework.
Some detainees told investigators they had been brought into Uganda after being promised employment opportunities, raising concerns about possible trafficking activity linked to the online scam and betting operations.
Uganda’s gaming industry has faced increased scrutiny in recent months as regulators intensify enforcement against unlicensed betting businesses and illegal gaming equipment. Earlier this month, the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board announced the seizure of more than 100 illegal gambling machines in separate enforcement operations across the country.
Ministry spokesperson Simon Peter Mundeyi said authorities are separating those under investigation into different categories, including suspected trafficking victims, immigration offenders and individuals believed to have organised the operations. He said those found to have violated immigration or criminal laws could face prosecution and deportation.
Authorities have also asked members of the public and property owners to report suspicious business activity and verify the legal status of foreign tenants operating businesses linked to betting, gaming or online financial services.
