Sixty-two Nigerian missionaries earlier detained in Uganda over alleged illegal religious activities have regained their freedom and are expected back in Nigeria on Thursday.
The missionaries, said to be members of a Christian outreach organisation known as Life Mission, were arrested by Ugandan immigration officials during operations carried out in Adjumani and parts of Kampala last month.
Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control had accused the group of operating churches without proper authorisation, leading to their detention.
However, the Executive Director of the organisation, Michael ChristisKing, disclosed on Wednesday that the case against the missionaries had been discontinued, paving the way for their release.
He explained that arrangements had been concluded for their return to Nigeria after authorities reportedly agreed to waive earlier financial penalties imposed on the detainees.
“The missionaries will arrive in Nigeria on Thursday. The allegations against them have been withdrawn and they are only expected to cover the cost of rescheduling their flight tickets,” he said.
ChristisKing also clarified that the development should not be interpreted as deportation, insisting that the group entered Uganda legally for humanitarian and missionary activities.
According to him, the organisation had secured the necessary approvals from relevant Ugandan institutions before embarking on the outreach programme targeted at refugee communities.
Documents made available to journalists reportedly showed that a Ugandan Pentecostal body had previously recognised the mission and confirmed its activities in the East African country since 2023.
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