Uganda's UAE Consul General, Consulate Officials Recalled Over Casino Saga

The Ugandan State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon Okello Oryem, has confirmed that Uganda’s Consul General to United Arab Emirates (UAE), Amb Henry Mayega and other consulate officials have been recalled and are under investigations following reports that privately procured gambling machines, shipped under diplomatic cover between Russia and the Middle East, ended up being operated at Uganda’s Consulate building in Dubai.

Deputy ambassador Henry Mayega, has been expelled from UAE together with his entire team he had his offices in Dubai where he was found holding a casino.

 These have been given 48 hours to exit the country.

This followed the matter raised by the shadow foreign affairs minister and Kyadondo County East Legislator Hon Nkunyingi Muwada at the floor of Parliament on August 1 2024.

Muwada's concern moved Parliament to summon Minister JEJE ODONG to explain reports of him turning Uganda Consulate in UAE into a Casino and gambling place contraly to local and international law on Diplomatic Premises.This has caused Uganda Diplomatic Embarrasment.

"The Consulate was expected to among others support Ugandans in Dubai who face numerous imigration challenges but it's shocking to learn that it's now a casino yet rented at expense of uganda tax payers". Said Muwada.

On Monday  1 August 2024 when the matter was raised, the Prime Minister failed to defend ODONG and conceded to ensuring that JEJE ODONG appears before Parliament Next Tuesday to explain himself and his involvement.

However, Minister JeJe Odong asked for two weeks to investigate and present a comprehensive report on the same.