Parliament Summons Minister Over Ugandans Trapped In Myanmar
Parliament has called upon the Minister of Foreign Affairs to clarify the situation regarding Ugandans who are believed to be trapped in Myanmar. Some members of Parliament have put pressure on the government to take immediate action on the hundreds of Ugandans who are said to be trapped in Myanmar and Egypt.
During a press conference at Parliament, Muwada Nkunyingi, the Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed concerns about trapped citizens facing exploitation, financial ruin, and even war in Myanmar.
The Kyadondo East Legislators alleged that they have credible information and correspondence from victims that hundreds of Ugandan nationals, estimated at 450, have been held hostage in Myanmar by alleged rebel groups for months now. They demanded swift repatriation efforts and a transparent plan to address the growing crisis.
Bukomansimbi county representative, Godfrey Kayemba Solo, joined the call, stating that most of the victims had traveled for work, tourism, education, etc under unclear circumstances. MPs faulted the government for failing to utilize the recently concluded summits of G77+China and NAM to negotiate for the fate of Ugandans abroad.
Muwada repeated calls for the repatriation of victims on the floor of parliament, where he demanded immediate action.
In response, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has summoned the Minister for Foreign Affairs to appear before Parliament next week to explain the situation.
In December, the national coordination office in charge of trafficking in persons in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uganda revealed that at least 22 Ugandans are currently held captive in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, under unclear circumstances.
