The Ministry of Internal Affairs has confirmed the deportation of Reid Samuel James, widely known on social media as “Muzungu Boda,” for violating Uganda’s immigration laws.
The New Zealand national, popular for his sensational social media content, was found to be working in the country without a valid work permit.
Simon Mundeyi, the ministry’s spokesperson, clarified the circumstances during a press briefing on Monday.
“To work in any country, an individual must have a valid work permit. It is illegal to work on a tourist visa, which he was doing while running a charitable NGO,” Mundeyi explained.
“As per standard procedure, he was removed from the country.”
Before leaving Uganda earlier this month, Muzungu Boda said, “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 canceled my visa immediately.”
Despite all this, Muzungu Boda posted on his social media this afternoon, saying, “I’ll be back as soon as I can. I don’t like my country anymore; after being in Uganda, nothing feels like home.”