Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | Recently, the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration (DCI) apprehended three German nationals for working illegally in Uganda. Their identities have been kept confidential, but they were employed by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) at their offices in Kampala, which focus on Uganda and South Sudan.
Sources speaking anonymously to the Kampala Dispatch revealed that the trio was arrested approximately two weeks ago due to visa violations.
Two of the Germans had entered the country on tourist visas, while the third claimed to be a student at Makerere University, having entered on a student visa.
Despite their claims of being unpaid interns, the three were allegedly working with KAS and receiving salaries under the table without paying the required income tax.
When approached for comment, KAS did not confirm or deny the allegations of employing foreigners without proper permits.
In an email response, the organization stated that it operates in accordance with the law, without attributing the statement to any specific individual.
“KAS is a law-abiding organization that firmly believes in and ensures that all laws of our host country are respected and complied with. We ensure that all staff of KAS comply with the laws of Uganda, including but not limited to compliance with immigration laws,” KAS said in response to our questions.
The organizations emphasized that they collaborate with tertiary institutions in Uganda to offer study opportunities for Ugandans.
This clarification was made in response to allegations that they conspire with educational institutions to facilitate short-term courses for German nationals, allowing them to come to Uganda and secure employment illegally.
“This program is intended to improve the livelihoods of Ugandans and is not used to violate any laws. KAS is committed to and adheres to all laws of Uganda,” KAS’ response reads.
In response to inquiries, Simon Peter Mundeyi, the spokesperson for the Directorate of Immigration, confirmed that raids were conducted at KAS. However, he quickly noted that there was nothing unusual about this operation.
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“On that day when we were at Konrad Adenauer, we also carried out similar visits to other offices and factories to see whether the people they were employing didn’t violate immigration laws. We do that work every day because it’s part of our core mandate,” Mundeyi said.
When asked about the fate of the arrested, Mundeyi said they are still investigating. “When we arrest people for working in the country illegally, we carry out investigations and then we produce them in court. I think by next week, we shall have taken them to court,” Mundeyi said.
However, our source informed us that the three individuals have already been charged, fined $650, and instructed to leave the country.
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) is a Germany-based nonprofit organization that focuses on promoting democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, among other initiatives.
