By Frank Kamuntu
Uganda’s Consul General to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ambassador Henry Mayega, has been summoned back home along with other consulate officials following allegations of unauthorised gambling activities within the Ugandan Consulate in Dubai. This scandal has sparked an official investigation to identify those responsible for the illicit operations.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, confirmed the investigation on Monday, expressing deep regret over the incident. He clarified that the officials were recalled to assist with the investigation, not expelled as some reports had suggested. Oryem stated that the outcome of the investigation would determine whether the officials could return to their posts. He reassured the public that Uganda’s relationship with Dubai remains strong despite the controversy, which he described as “a small storm in a teacup.”
During a parliamentary session last month, The issue was brought to light by Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Haruna Nkunyingi Muwada. Muwada criticized the lack of proper guidance provided to Uganda’s diplomatic missions, attributing the scandal to the widespread appointment of politically affiliated diplomats who, he claimed, often lack sufficient knowledge of foreign policy. He warned that the incident could have broader implications, potentially leading to stricter screening for Ugandans entering the UAE.
The recall of Ambassador Mayega follows closely on the heels of another diplomatic controversy involving Uganda’s High Commissioner to Canada, Joy Ruth Acheng. Acheng was declared a “persona non grata” and ordered to leave Canada by 21 August 2024, due to unresolved issues.
State Minister Oryem assured that the investigation aims to identify the actual officials involved before any further action is taken by the government. He reiterated that if the officials are found guilty, they will not return to Dubai, but if they are innocent, they will be reinstated. Oryem also highlighted that Uganda’s relationship with Dubai has not been affected by the unfolding events, maintaining that it is a minor issue in the grand scheme of their diplomatic relations.
The scandal has also brought to light the potential repercussions for Ugandans travelling to the UAE. Muwada warned that the incident could lead to stricter screening processes for Ugandans, complicating travel and business relations between the two countries.
