KAMPALA, Uganda

At least 42 Eritrean nationals have been held by police in Uganda for allegedly entering the country illegally through Kenya.

"We've arrested 42 Eritreans who illegally entered the country," Jacob Siminyu, spokesman for the country's immigration department, told reporters, adding that the migrants were held in the border town of Busia.

Siminyu said that the migrants hid documents on their travel history. "This is complicating the situation. In fact, it's stopping them from getting justice."

If confirmed to have entered illegally, each will be fined $20 for every day spent illegally in the East African country and deported back to their country of origin.

According to police, many Eritreans enter Uganda illegally through Kenya.