By The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, has tasked government to come clean on reports that Uganda has entered into an agreement with the United States to receive deportees, some of whom are alleged to be ex-convicts.
Raising the matter on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, Ssenyonyi said international media had repeatedly reported on the deal, despite denials from junior Foreign Affairs Minister Okello Oryem.
“We don’t know whether they are former criminals or current. Why Uganda, and if Uganda, where exactly? If the reports are untrue, let government say so clearly here on the floor. But if it is true, let’s not operate surreptitiously,” Ssenyonyi said. “Somebody might wake up and there is a criminal as their neighbour, and they have no idea.”
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The Opposition leader further faulted government for failing to implement the Supreme Court’s January 31 ruling, which barred the trial of civilians in military courts. He noted that despite the landmark decision, many civilians remain detained under the General Court Martial without their files being transferred to the High Court as ordered.
Citing two recent rulings Yasin Sekitoleko alias Machete vs Uganda and Agaba Anthony alias Bobi Young vs Uganda – Ssenyonyi said the High Court had declined to hear bail applications because the case files had not been properly forwarded.
“The Supreme Court directed that all such cases be moved to civilian courts, but government has not acted. This is ping pong, and rights are being trampled upon. These people are illegally in jail,” Ssenyonyi charged.
Responding, Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among directed government to provide answers. She said Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka would be expected to clarify on the status of implementing the Supreme Court ruling.
On the deportee allegations, Among invoked Rule 41 of the Rules of Procedure, which requires that treaties and international agreements be presented before Parliament.
“We shall not speculate. The Minister responsible will be required to bring a report before this House,” she ruled.
The debate comes amid growing public debate on Uganda’s human rights record, its handling of military courts, and the transparency of bilateral agreements with foreign governments.
