Kampala Metropolitan Police have dismissed recent claims linking an American woman detained in Kabalagala to espionage activities, describing such allegations as false, misleading, and damaging to her reputation.
The woman, 64-year-old Mary Grace Miller, a teacher by profession, has attracted public attention following a viral video showing her collecting plastic bottles in Ggaba.
Miller entered Uganda in September 2022 through the Busia border on a three-month visit visa, which expired on December 14 of the same year. She explained to investigators that her visit was for a spiritual journey, during which she has been regularly attending prayers at Ggaba Catholic Church.
Initially, she had Shs 20 million for her upkeep, but those funds have since been exhausted, leading to her current circumstances.
The viral TikTok clip sparked widespread sympathy and speculation that the woman was scammed and was now forced to sustain herself by collecting and selling plastics.
Following the video, police traced Miller to a room in Bunga provided by an acquaintance and interviewed her. Authorities found no evidence supporting allegations that she had been scammed or involved in illicit activities.
Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire firmly denied any connection between Miller and espionage or security threats.
Addressing media misreporting, he clarified, “She was briefly detained while we consulted with the Directorate of Immigration and the US Embassy and has since been handed over to Immigration for further management.” Owens stressed that he has records disproving claims that he linked Miller to espionage.
The case highlights an ongoing issue facing Uganda’s law enforcement and immigration authorities: a rising number of foreign nationals overstaying visas, particularly in Kampala’s suburbs such as Bunga and Ggaba.
Many remain long-term without properly regularizing their status, which poses administrative challenges for immigration enforcement.
Police reassured the public that Miller’s situation is strictly treated as an immigration matter, not a criminal or national security case. Authorities continue to work with relevant agencies, including the US Embassy, to ensure due process.
Meanwhile, Deputy Spokesperson Owoyesigyire urged media outlets to retract the harmful espionage narrative, warning that such misinformation unjustly damages individuals’ reputations and privacy.
Mary Grace Miller’s story underscores the complex realities faced by some foreigners living in Uganda balancing immigration compliance, financial sustainability, and community integration, often under difficult circumstances.
The public response to the viral video has sparked conversations on support systems available for vulnerable foreigners and the importance of accurate reporting in highly sensitive cases.
