Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has issued a strong warning targeting Turkish nationals residing in the country without valid work permits, signaling a looming crackdown on illegal immigration.
In a series of statements shared publicly, Muhoozi declared that any Turkish citizen found in Uganda without proper documentation will face immediate arrest starting next week.
He further set a firm deadline of July 8 for all undocumented Turkish nationals to leave the country voluntarily.
“From next week any Turk without a valid working permit will be arrested! Anywhere in Uganda,” Muhoozi stated, emphasizing that enforcement will be nationwide and without exception.
The military chief intensified his remarks by framing the directive as a matter of national sovereignty and security.
“There are no pacts between lions and men! All Turks must be outside of our country in 30 days,” he said, suggesting a zero-tolerance stance toward foreigners operating outside legal frameworks.
According to his directive, failure to comply with the order will result in mass arrests. “If they don’t, ALL of them will be ARRESTED! Whoever and wherever they are,” he added.
The statements have raised questions about the status of foreign workers in Uganda, particularly those engaged in sectors such as construction, trade, and education, where Turkish nationals have had a visible presence over the years.