Uganda Times

Tag: Henry Okello Oryem

  • Ugandan Legislator Calls for Censure of Foreign Affairs Ministers Over UN Delegation

    Ugandan Legislator Calls for Censure of Foreign Affairs Ministers Over UN Delegation

    Muwada Nkunyingi, the representative for Kyadondo East County, is advocating for the censure of Uganda’s foreign affairs ministers, Jeje Odongo and Henry Okello Oryem. Nkunyingi has accused them of causing diplomatic embarrassment and financial strain on the country. He argues that their actions are particularly concerning given Uganda’s current economic challenges.

    Nkunyingi, who also serves as the shadow foreign affairs minister, revealed that he and fellow Members of Parliament have prepared a motion of censure against the ministers. They intend to present it in Parliament once legislative sessions resume, as Parliament is currently in recess.

    The controversy centers around the foreign affairs ministry’s decision to send over 70 individuals to represent Uganda at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Nkunyingi conducted an investigation into the delegation, including the selection process and other related matters. Based on his findings, he is determined to move a motion of censure against all ministers in the foreign affairs ministry.

    Nkunyingi expressed his astonishment at the situation, particularly the role of Minister Henry Okello Oryem, who has significant experience in the ministry. He raised questions about the inclusion of Okello Oryem’s spouse among those accredited to represent Uganda and emphasized that such actions should have been guided against by experienced ministry officials.

    The legislator held a press conference on Thursday, September 21, following the emergence of a list containing 71 members who were cleared to attend the UNGA. He argued that the extensive delegation was unwarranted and reflected poorly on Uganda diplomatically. Nkunyingi also criticized the wasteful use of government resources, which he believes could have been allocated more effectively.

    Nkunyingi further pointed out that despite these expenditures, the foreign affairs ministry and the Ugandan government have not taken action to assist thousands of Ugandan nationals detained in various countries, including Turkey and Saudi Arabia, or those facing difficulties abroad.

    The 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday, September 26.

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  • First batch of Ugandans stranded abroad returns home

    First batch of Ugandans stranded abroad returns home

    The first batch of Ugandans who had been stranded abroad due to the Coronavirus pandemic has arrived in Uganda.

    At around 3:30pm on Tuesday an aircraft from Khartoum, the Sudanese capital landed at Entebbe International Airport and at the opening of its doors, a group of 30 Ugandans disembarked.

    These were received by the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem.

    The group later undertook for rapid testing and from where they were taken for the mandatory 14 day quarantine.

    “A work plan has been prepared to see the return of an average of 300 Ugandans every fortnight. Arrivals have begun on various carriers. We expect another group this evening that will arrive on KLM,”Oryem said.

    Another batch of Ugandans who had been stranded in Netherlands and Belgium is expected to land at Entebbe Airport at 11:30pm.

    He explained that the flights are arranged by our embassies abroad but warned that Entebbe airport is not yet open to commercial flights.

    “These are special flights but also taking advantage of flights coming to the country to evacuate nationals of other countries. Some of the returnees are also arranging for their own flights and government is clearing.”

    Explaining the delay, the minister said the airport had to be prepared to receive the Ugandans but also to adhere to the World Health Organisation and Ministry of Health standard operating procedures.

    “Testing had to be done on arrival, quarantine centres had to be prepared and frontline workers had to be well equipped with personal protective equipment,”Oryem said.

    “The relevant authorities have been preparing and are now ready to receive the returnees.”

    More to return

    The State Minister for Foreign Affairs explained that stating this week, more Ugandans stranded abroad are expected to return home including 70 from South Africa(June 25),200 from United Arab Emirates, 180 from Afghanistan, 134 from US and 120 from India.

    Government recently said a total of 2300 Ugandan are stranded abroad and will be returned home.

    Gov’t Clears Ugandans Abroad to Return at their Own Cost

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