Kyadondo East MP and shadow minister for Foreign Affairs, Muwada Nkunyingi, has criticized the government’s proposed plan to host US immigrants as part of diplomatic processes with the US government.
Speaking to Bbeg Media, Nkunyingi said the entire deal is shrouded in secrecy.
“As Parliament, we are unaware of this proposed plan, nor has it been mentioned in the ministry of Foreign Affairs’ policy statement. I categorically oppose the move because it is unclear under which categories these immigrants would be hosted whether as asylum seekers or refugees especially since the government has failed to address the needs of its own citizens,” Nkunyingi stated.
It emerged yesterday that Uganda had reached an agreement with the US to take in deportees from third countries who may not get asylum, but are “reluctant” to go back to their own countries.
Vincent Bagiire, the permanent secretary from the minister of Foreign Affairs said Uganda won’t accept people with criminal records or unaccompanied minors under the temporary arrangement.
“Uganda also prefers that individuals from African countries shall be the ones transferred to Uganda. The two parties are working out the detailed modalities on how the agreement shall be implemented,” Bagiire said.
But Nkunyingi urged the US government to prioritize respect for human rights, good diplomacy, democracy, and the rule of law when engaging with Uganda, noting that the current regime has fallen short in these areas.
He emphasized the importance of mutual respect for sovereign independence and the need for robust diplomatic processes to implement such plans effectively.
Regarding Uganda’s reputation for hosting refugees from neighbouring countries, Nkunyingi affirmed that the country remains open to asylum seekers and refugees. However, he criticized the government’s inadequate service delivery, which he argued violates the constitutional rights of Ugandans.
Commenting on the recent Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) meeting hosted in Uganda, Nkunyingi condemned the government for duplicating roles with other regional blocs, including IGAD, the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the African Union.
He said there was failure to address regional challenges such as free movement of labor and people, trade barriers, tariffs, the lack of a common market, customs union, common currency, and regional transport networks to facilitate trade and commerce.
Addressing the recent strike by the business community, the politician blamed the government for imposing high taxes on traders, who significantly contribute to the economy. He advocated for subsidies as a more effective policy to support the business sector.
On his bid to retain the Kyadondo East parliamentary seat, Nkunyingi expressed confidence in remaining the preferred candidate.
