Uganda’s Consul General to the UAE, Ambassador Henry Mayega, and other consulate officials have been recalled to Uganda amid an investigation into privately procured gambling machines allegedly operating at the Consulate building in Dubai.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello Oryem confirmed the recall, stating that the ongoing investigations aim to identify the officials involved before further action is taken.
“What happened in our mission in Dubai is regrettable, but there are ongoing investigations to find out who authorized the events in our mission,” Oryem said.
He clarified that the officials were recalled to assist with the investigations, not expelled.
Oryem explained that Uganda’s relations with Dubai remain unaffected, describing the incident as “a small storm in a teacup.”
However, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Haruna Nkunyingi Muwada, who brought the matter to parliament, criticised the deployment of ambassadors and foreign service staff, citing a lack of knowledge on foreign policy.
Ambassador Mayega’s recall comes a few days after the Canadian government expelled Uganda’s High Commissioner, Joy Ruth Acheng, declaring her “persona non grata” due to unresolved issues.
