The State Minister for Foreign Affairs, John Mulimba, has informed the parliament that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires 102 million shillings to facilitate the travel of Uganda’s ambassador from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Myanmar. The ambassador will negotiate the repatriation of hundreds of Ugandans being held hostage by rebel groups in Myanmar, which was formerly known as Burma.
Mulimba explained that the political situation in Myanmar has been volatile since 2021 when Aung San Sun Kyi’s government was overthrown. This instability has facilitated the trafficking of Ugandans to Myanmar to serve rebel groups. The government has directed the Ugandan Ambassador in Malaysia to travel to Myanmar to discuss with authorities how Ugandans can be released.
However, the ambassador has requested Shs102 Million to facilitate her travel to Myanmar and negotiate the release of Ugandans from the hands of rebels. The government has identified over 60 Ugandans in Egypt who need evacuation after failing to meet the government’s conditions for illegal immigrants.
The Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, Muwada Nkunyingi, raised concerns about the government’s evacuation plans, stating that it lacked immediate actions. Muwada challenged the government to use Uganda Airlines to facilitate the repatriation of Ugandans stranded in different countries.
However, the Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, warned the government against publishing a list of Ugandans held by rebels in Myanmar, as it would expose their lives to danger.
