By Patrick Obia
The young Nigerian missionaries persecuted and imprisoned by the Ugandan Government for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, have been freed and have touchdown Nigeria.
The release came on the heels of intense pressure by the Nigerian Government, the media, activists and the international communities.
The young graduates were released on Thursday, May 14th, 2026 after the necessary paper documents were signed and sealed.
CrossRiverWatch can confirms that they en route to Entebbe International Airport from Kampala for a back-dated flight of 2:45pm Ugandan time and 12:45pm Nigerian time, respectively. They arrived arrived the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos in the evening hours of Thursday.
The young and vibrant volunteer missionaries volunteering with Exalting Jesus Life Missions, were allegedly arrested on April 25th, 2026 in their base in Adjumani District of Northern Uganda while having their routine prayers, on charges of “unlawful entry and stay”, “prohibited immigrants”, “illegal activities”, operation, etc., allegations the organization and missionaries refuted to be totally false.
The 62 missionaries and two infants – five months each, were thrown into a prison vehicle and driven for about 12 hours to the outskirts of Kampala, the country capital where they were locked up in a pathetic environment.
The preachers were then paraded as criminals and televised on Ugandan national television and dailies.
They were denied access to a lawyer, their phones, or any visit often treated as those who committed treasonable felony.
The missionaries who were escorted with heavily armed men and were guarded by armed Police men and immigration officials were on April 27th, 2026 made to write a statement under duress.
On the 28th of same month, some Immigration officials forced the missionaries to sign a document to agree to the accusations and others.
The young missionaries who are all university and Bible School graduates were also fined 400 US dollars each.
READ ALSO: Ugandan Authorities Demand $400 From 64 Detained Nigerians Or Face Prosecution
However, after much mediation from the Nigerian Embassy and pressure from the media, human rights defenders and the international communities, the charges and USD 400 fine were dropped – signaling their innocence.
In a deep finding, CrossRiverWatch gathered that the Ugandan Government said they launched into the arrest after sampling views from residents of Adjumani believed to be some church leaders and high profile members of the district.
Some of them who spoke to our correspondent, give glory to God for their ordeal. They noted that their faith in God never quaked as it is part of the prize to be paid as followers of Jesus Christ.
The good news preachers disclosed that they do not have any grudges against the conspirators nor the government of Uganda.
The volunteer missionaries prayed for great revival in churches and every facet of Uganda and East Africa.
Meanwhile, there are insinuations surrounding their return to Nigeria – willful return or deportation by the Ugandan Government.
The International Director of the mission organization, Rev. Michael Christisking, has cleared the air.
Giving an update on the case in a statement he e-signed, issued and made available to our newsroom on Friday, May 15th, 2026, he said the clarification became necessary to clear every falsehoods. The update reads below:
UPDATE ON THE UGANDA IMMIGRATION CASE
Many people have been asking whether we were “deported” from Uganda and whether we are permanently banned from returning.
After carefully reviewing the official immigration documents, here is the accurate situation:
- Uganda Immigration accused some members of carrying out Gospel activities without the specific immigration permit category they required.
- On paper, the issue was mainly an immigration/permit classification matter — NOT a criminal case. But of course we know this is not the underlying issue.
- There was No conviction for online fraud, cybercrime, terrorism, or any criminal activity in the official documents. All these are unfounded lies and media propaganda to make jest of the the name of the Lord.
- Everything that happened arose from pure persecution against the preaching of the gospel. We were lied against and accused wrongly by some in the community and the Ugandan government believed many of them.
- The Ugandan Minister of Internal Affairs later WAIVED the $400 surcharge/fine that had initially been imposed on each missionary.
- Our organization changed the flight tickets date and Immigration then escorted the affected missionaries to the airport to return to Nigeria.
At this time, the documents do NOT state that we are permanently banned or blacklisted from Uganda. The matter appears to have been treated as an administrative immigration issue rather than a criminal matter.
We remain grateful to everyone who prayed, supported, encouraged, and stood with us throughout this difficult season.
We look forward to going back to Uganda and many other nations at a later date with the required documents and continuing the work the Lord has called us to do.
Each missionary views this detention experience as part of the Missions. Even though they will receive debriefing sessions, and counseling, and emotional care will be given to those who need it.
Nothing can discourage us and nothing can make us back down. We will reach the lost even at the cost of our lives.
Kindly invite young people to be part of this adventure by visiting lifemissions.org/volunteer
Thank you for standing with us.
— Rev. Michael Christisking
Exalting Jesus Inc. (Life Missions).
As stated by the Director, the missionaries have commenced days of refreshment, recreation, relaxation and debriefing.
On Friday, they had veteran missionaries and lovers of God’s kingdom business -Dr. Isaac Apata and Mrs. Priscilla Sunday Yusuf and family share their wealth of experience.
The session was highly interactive, fun, revelation and mission experience sharing.
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