The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a stern clarification following misleading reports aired on NBS Television suggesting that Ugandan diplomats were expelled from the United Kingdom on charges related to human trafficking. In an official press release, the Ministry strongly refuted the allegations and provided context on the situation.
According to the statement signed by Permanent Secretary Bagiiire Vincent Waiswa, no Ugandan diplomat has been expelled from the UK. The Ministry emphasized that human trafficking refers to the illegal act of transporting or coercing individuals for exploitative purposes such as forced labor or sexual exploitation, and no Ugandan diplomat has been implicated in such activities.
The Ministry clarified that under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the UK, as a receiving state, reserves the right to declare any diplomat persona non grata, without having to provide justification. However, no such declaration was made against any Ugandan diplomat, contrary to the claims circulating in the media.
“The Ministry challenges the authors of the misinformation to present the public with the instrument that declared the said diplomats persona non grata,” the release stated. Furthermore, the Ministry pointed out that the diplomats in question had completed their regular tour of duty, which typically lasts between three to four years, and were recalled to Uganda for further instructions—a standard practice in diplomatic service.
This clarification aims to dispel rumors and ensure that the public is informed about the proper context regarding Uganda’s diplomatic relations with the UK. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in handling diplomatic matters.
