Uganda issues ultimatum for the release of 41 Kenyans imprisoned for 20 years
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Uganda will only release the imprisoned 41 Kenyans if they identify the main suspect behind the killing geologists and soldiers
Uganda will only release the imprisoned 41 Kenyans if they identify the main suspect behind the killing geologists and soldiers.
The 41 Kenyans were imprisoned after they allegedly killed three geologists and two Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) soldiers back in April.
The Ugandan government declared that it would not free the prisoners until it had identified the primary suspects in the crime.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi presented these reports while appearing before the National Assembly’s Public Petitions Committee on Thursday.
He pointed out that President William Ruto is aware of the problem and that the Foreign Affairs Ministry was collaborating with its counterparts in Uganda to find a solution.
The Committee, led by Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai, questioned the alignment of the Ministry’s actions with the best interests of Kenyans.
Mudavadi clarified that the East African Community Treaty establishes a framework for reciprocal legal aid between Kenya and Uganda.
This makes it easier for suspects to be brought back to the area where the alleged crime took place.
However, the MPs questioned whether the framework covered prisoner exchanges as well.
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“In Uganda, authorities frequently detain pastoralists and fishermen on trespassing charges, often imposing fines before releasing them,” Mbai stated.
The lawmakers urged Mudavadi to work with Attorney General Justin Muturi to assist in repatriating the affected Kenyans.
Further, the Committee recommended the construction of a dam for Turkana residents to address the challenges faced during drought season that compels migration to Uganda in search of water and pasture for livestock.
The 41 Kenyans were jailed back in April for contravening Section 119 of the UPDF Act, which dictates that anyone found with weapons, ammunition, or equipment that is exclusive to the armed forces is subject to military law and will be tried by a court martial.
This also includes serving military officers and civilians. The Kenyans were convicted for 8 to 20 years imprisonment in Uganda.
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