Uganda’s Consul General to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ambassador Henry Mayega, (pictured above) has been recalled 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.”

The issue was first brought to light by Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Haruna Nkunyingi Muwada, during a parliamentary session last month. Muwada criticised 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.

“A storm in a teacup” says Foreign Affairs Minister

There is no doubt an urgent need for stronger oversight and clearer guidelines for Uganda’s diplomatic missions to prevent further damage to the country’s international standing. The allegations suggest that privately procured gambling machines, shipped under diplomatic cover between Russia and the Middle East, ended up being operated at the Ugandan Consulate in Dubai. This has raised serious questions about the criteria used in selecting Uganda’s representatives abroad, their competence, and the extent of their mandate. 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.

Repercussions for Ugandan nationals

Shadow Minister Muwada has been vocal about the need for reform in Uganda’s diplomatic appointments. He pointed out that a significant number of ambassadors and foreign service staff are political appointees from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), which he believes contributes to incidents like this. Muwada’s concerns reflect a broader call for merit-based appointments and better training for diplomats to ensure they are well-versed in foreign policy and diplomatic protocols. The scandal has also brought to light the potential repercussions for Ugandans traveling 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. The recall of Ambassador Henry Mayega and the ongoing investigation into the alleged casino operations at the Ugandan Consulate in Dubai highlight significant issues within Uganda’s diplomatic corps. The incident calls for immediate reforms for all diplomatic missions to operate with integrity and professionalism, safeguarding their country’s international reputation.

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