62 Nigerian Missionaries Released from Ugandan Detention, Set to Return Home

Sixty-two Nigerians detained in Uganda over allegations linked to illegal religious activities have regained their freedom and are expected back in Nigeria on Thursday.

The group, identified as members of the Christian missionary organisation Life Mission, had been arrested by Ugandan immigration officials during security operations conducted in parts of Kampala and Adjumani in late April.

Ugandan authorities had accused the missionaries of operating churches without proper authorisation. However, representatives of the organisation maintained that the group was in the country for humanitarian and missionary outreach programmes targeted at refugee communities.

Speaking on the development, the Executive Director of the mission group, Michael ChristisKing, confirmed that the case against the missionaries had been withdrawn, paving the way for their release and return to Nigeria.

According to him, the only expense now required from the missionaries is the cost of adjusting their flight schedules, as authorities reportedly cancelled earlier financial penalties that had been proposed.

Initial conditions for their release reportedly included a $400 fine for each detainee alongside an additional fee for flight rescheduling. The penalties were later withdrawn after further engagements.

The organisation also insisted that all necessary approvals were obtained before the missionaries travelled to Uganda. It said invitations and clearances had been secured from relevant institutions, including Uganda’s refugee authorities and religious bodies.