Over 300 Ugandans are rotting in the Democratic Republic of Congo prisons over different crimes without facing justice. This was disclosed by Uganda’s top envoy to DR Congo, Ambassador James William Kinobe, while appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Public accounts chaired by the Woman MP for Serere District Alice Alaso. He said that most of the arrested Ugandans are youth being misguided by some individuals to join rebel activities.

Ambassador Kinobe said most of these arrested Ugandans cannot be helped quickly out of jail because DR Congo is too big to move in all prisons where Ugandans are detained. He noted that many of these Ugandans are in jail over rebel cases while others are facing charges of illegal entry, stealing cars and conning. Kinobe who is the former Minister for Youth and Children Affairs warned youth against being tricked that in Congo there are jobs, saying many are taken to Congo for rebel activities; in Kinshasa alone there 100 youth in prisons.

Members of Parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs represented by the Permanent Secretary Ambassador James Mugume agreed with the committee to ensure that Goma and Bunya consulates are reopened. They asked Parliament to first approve 1.8 billion shillings for re-opening Goma consulate so as Ugandans in Eastern DR Congo are given assistance on different issues as they wait for more fund allocation for Bunya consulate