The Ministry of Internal Affairs has confirmed the deportation of Reid Samuel James alias “Muzungu Boda,” for breaching Uganda’s immigration regulations.
James, a New Zealand citizen, gained popularity for his viral social media posts, but was found to be operating in Uganda without a valid work permit. He had been running a charitable NGO while on a tourist visa, which is prohibited under Uganda’s immigration laws.
Simon Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ministry, addressed the situation during a press briefing on Monday, stating: “To work in any country, one must have the appropriate work permit. It is illegal to engage in any paid or voluntary work on a tourist visa, as Mr. James did while running his NGO.”
Mundeyi added, “As per standard protocol, he was removed from the country.”
In a statement before his departure, James had claimed, “I travel in and out of Uganda using a tourist visa. I don’t earn money here, I just assist children in need. Apparently, that is considered work, and my visa was immediately canceled.”
Despite the deportation, James shared a message on his social media later that day, saying, “I’ll be back as soon as possible. I don’t feel connected to my own country anymore—after my time in Uganda, nothing else feels like home.”
