The State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Okello Oryem, has announced the recall of Uganda’s Consul General to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Amb. Henry Mayega, and other consulate officials. This move follows allegations that gambling machines, privately procured and shipped under diplomatic cover between Russia and the Middle East, were found operating at the Ugandan Consulate in Dubai.

In a statement on Monday, Mr. Oryem clarified that the recall was a precautionary measure to facilitate an ongoing investigation aimed at identifying the officials responsible for the scandal. He emphasized that the recalled officials are not being expelled but are being brought back to aid in the probe.

“What happened in our mission in Dubai is regrettable,” Mr. Oryem remarked. “We are currently investigating to determine who authorized these actions. If the officials are found guilty, they will not return to Dubai; if they are cleared, they may be reinstated.”

Despite the controversy, Mr. Oryem assured that Uganda’s diplomatic relations with Dubai remain intact. “This issue is a minor setback and does not affect our strong ties with the UAE,” he stated.

The scandal has sparked criticism from opposition figures. Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Haruna Nkunyingi Muwada highlighted concerns over the lack of guidance and expertise among political appointees in foreign missions. He criticized the heavy political influence in the appointment of ambassadors, asserting that it undermines the effectiveness of Uganda’s diplomatic staff.

“The fact that casino machines were cleared as embassy consignment indicates a serious lapse,” Mr. Nkunyingi said. “This incident will likely lead to more stringent scrutiny of Ugandans entering the UAE.”

The recall comes shortly after the Canadian government declared Uganda’s High Commissioner to Canada, Joy Ruth Acheng, a “persona non grata.” Ms. Acheng is set to leave Canada on August 21, 2024, following unresolved issues, according to Mr. Oryem.