Foreign Affairs Minister, Gen. Jeje Odongo
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeje Odongo, has revealed that the government has instituted investigations into reports that officials at the Ugandan Consulate in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, are operating a casino and gambling facility, contrary to the established diplomatic norms.
He made the revelation during the plenary sitting, where he was responding to a concern raised last week by Muwada Nkunyingi (Kyadondo East), who tasked the government to clarify on social media reports that Uganda had turned its Consulate into a gambling hub.
“The allegations of turning a diplomatic facility into a casino are very serious because these allegations touch on misuse of a diplomatic facility against diplomatic practice as per the Vienna Convention, touch on trust and integrity of individuals, and touch on the very important matter of diplomatic relations between countries,” said Minister Jeje.
The Minister added, “Because of the seriousness of these allegations and the import thereof, the Government of Uganda took a very serious stance and instituted investigations. Because these investigations are still ongoing, I am rather constrained, as what I might say could or might jeopardize these investigations. I therefore plead that I be allowed to make a full statement only after these investigations have been concluded.”
However, before the Minister made his statement, Medard Sseggona (Busiro East) raised concern over the decision by the top leadership of Parliament to entertain such a matter on the order paper, wondering if prior consultations were made on the implication such allegations and statements would have on Uganda’s diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirate.
“I don’t know if, before putting this matter on the order paper, you did consult with those who know more about the law on diplomacy. I am looking at the importance of this particular diplomatic mission that we are dealing with with respect to the services provided to our people. I don’t even know whether you properly addressed your mind to the implications of what you are just about to put on your microphone,” said Sseggona.
He added, “Because I am aware of the demands of international law on matters of this nature. I don’t know whether you personally took the trouble to listen to him first because what we are going to debate here has very serious implications with respect to the future of this diplomatic mission.”