Mr Mundeyi emphasised that Muzungu Boda was not deported, a distinction that allows him to return to Uganda if he obtains the necessary documents.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has confirmed it “removed” Reid Samuel James, popularly known as Muzungu Boda on social media, from Uganda over his illegal work status.
Simon Mundeyi, the ministry’s spokesperson, revealed that Muzungu Boda was working in the country without a valid work permit, a violation of Uganda’s immigration laws.
“To work in any country, an individual must possess a valid work permit. It is not permissible to work on a tourist visa, which he was doing while running a charitable NGO,” Mundeyi stated during a press briefing on Monday.
“As standard practice, he was removed from the country.”
Muzungu Boda’s Claims
Before leaving Uganda, Muzungu Boda admitted in an interview with Nile Post that immigration officials had detained him.
He also acknowledged using a tourist visa to enter the country, claiming he was not earning income but simply helping vulnerable children.
“I go in and out of the country using a tourist visa. I don’t work or make money here. I just help the children like you’ve seen. Apparently, that is considered work, and immigration cancelled my visa immediately,” he told Nile Post.
At the time, Mr James did not want the story published although hours after his engagement with this news website, he would post the same claims on X, formerly Twitter.
He, however, pulled the post down almost immediately, giving conflicting clues on what was really going on.
Mr Mundeyi, speaking to the Nile Post about Muzungu Boda’s original claims 10 days ago, refuted them. He said there was no deportation on the table and that they were not aware of his presence at Immigration offices over his status in the country.
However, sources at immigration had intimated to this website that after the claims, Muzungu Boda had brought the attention to his status and that he would be deported.
It became a matter of when.
Ministry Clarifies
Mr Mundeyi explained that while Muzungu Boda held a valid tourist visa, his activities—classified as work—contravened the terms of the visa.
He was escorted back to his home country, New Zealand.
However, Mr Mundeyi emphasised that Muzungu Boda was not deported, a distinction that allows him to return to Uganda if he obtains the necessary documents.
“Deportation is done by the Minister or courts of law, and it prohibits an individual from returning to the country. For organized departures like this, individuals can return once they meet the requirements. Muzungu Boda is allowed to come back to Uganda,” Mundeyi clarified.
Muzungu Boda gained much attention in the country and on social media through his compelling and entertaining video content that he waxed with a unique ability to showcase Ugandan life in fun and relatable ways.
His signature blend of lifestyle vlogs, drifting stunts, and quirky skits has captivated audiences far and wide, with one theme always present: a deep love for Uganda.
He wore loose shirts on top shorts and sandals or tired sneakers to give the impression of a downtrodden – just the kind life he was depicting. Some of his stunts bordered on the ridiculous, more like Sammy Manini before him.
Legal Implications
Uganda’s immigration laws strictly prohibit using a tourist visa for work-related activities, even in charitable capacities.
The incident underscores the importance of adhering to visa regulations to avoid legal repercussions.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration laws to safeguard Uganda’s labour market and national security.