Uganda, DRC Legislators Tackle Diplomatic Tensions, Visa Disputes

At a gathering with the Overseas Affairs Committee in Parliament, considerations had been raised concerning unresolved diplomatic points between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Among the many key points mentioned had been the extended refusal by the DRC to accredit Uganda’s ambassador, the continued detention and ill-treatment of Ugandan nationals in DRC, and the failure of the DRC to supply reciprocal visa exemptions to Ugandan passport holders.

Nkunyingi Muwada, Shadow Minister for Overseas Affairs, led the discussions, urging the delegation of DRC Members of Parliament (MPs) to handle these urgent considerations.

Muwada criticised the delay in accrediting Uganda’s ambassador to DRC, noting that the matter had been unresolved for 4 years, which he described as a big diplomatic setback.

“The refusal to accredit our ambassador for 4 years is an indication of the deterioration in diplomatic relations,” Muwada mentioned.

“It is important that each international locations resolve these issues to make sure clean diplomatic and bilateral cooperation shifting ahead,”he mentioned.

The DRC MPs, who had been current throughout the assembly, agreed to press their Overseas Affairs Minister and authorities to handle the delayed accreditation and the continued charging of visa charges for Ugandans touring to DRC.

The problem of visa exemptions was significantly troubling for Ugandan residents, as Uganda had beforehand granted visa-free entry to DRC nationals.

“We perceive your considerations and agree that these points have to be addressed,” a DRC MP mentioned.

“We’ll work with our authorities to make sure that Uganda’s ambassador is accredited and the visa exemption difficulty is resolved promptly.”

One other concern raised by Muwada was the detention of Ugandan nationals in DRC, with stories of ill-treatment and harsh situations.

He emphasised the urgency of resolving this matter and referred to as for quick motion to make sure the security and truthful remedy of detained Ugandans.

Nonetheless, the dialogue took a flip when DRC MPs raised considerations concerning the detention of Congolese residents in Uganda.

“We’d like Uganda to elucidate why our residents are detained in Ugandan prisons,” one DRC legislator mentioned.

“This might have triggered retaliatory detentions of Ugandans in DRC.”

Muwada responded by acknowledging the state of affairs and calling for transparency from each governments.

“We should be certain that residents from each international locations are handled pretty and with respect for human rights,” he mentioned. “Each Uganda and DRC must work collectively to resolve these points to keep away from additional retaliatory actions.”

The 2 sides additionally mentioned regional peace and safety within the East African Neighborhood (EAC).

Each Ugandan and DRC MPs expressed their dedication to working in the direction of peace and stability within the area, agreeing that diplomatic efforts ought to prioritize the safety and welfare of residents in each international locations.

“We, as parliamentarians, should take the lead in fostering peace and safety in our area,” Muwada said. “It is essential that Uganda and DRC cooperate carefully to make sure peace for the good thing about all East Africans.”

One other key difficulty was the failure by each Uganda and DRC to fulfill their monetary commitments to the East African Neighborhood. Uganda is reportedly in arrears of $3 million, whereas DRC’s arrears stand at $20 million.

Muwada raised this as a big impediment to regional integration and the potential advantages of free commerce and motion of individuals.