By Spy Uganda
Kyadondo South MP and Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Muwada Nkunyingi has sharply criticised European Union diplomats for what he termed a “diplomatic blunder” in turning to Gen. Salim Saleh—President Museveni’s brother—for security assurances following threats allegedly made by First Son Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Speaking during a parliamentary session this week, Nkunyingi condemned the EU envoys’ decision to meet Gen. Saleh at a business forum in Gulu on May 13. He argued that the move lent undue legitimacy to “non-constitutional establishments.”
“Foreign diplomats in Uganda should not lend legitimacy to unconventional entities,” he said. “A formal protest note to the Foreign Affairs Ministry would have made your position unmistakably clear.”
Background To Standoff
The diplomatic tensions stem from a May 10 meeting between EU diplomats and opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine. In response, Muhoozi allegedly issued threats to “withdraw” protection from officials at the Uganda Human Rights Commission and to deport the diplomats—remarks that sparked alarm within the diplomatic community.
In an apparent effort to de-escalate the situation, the envoys sought reassurance from Gen. Saleh during the forum in Gulu. Saleh reportedly downplayed Muhoozi’s comments, attributing them to “excess education” among senior Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers.
“We’ve dealt with him before—even the Human Rights Commission felt his wrath,” Saleh reportedly said. “It’s not a big issue; perhaps too many degrees have gone to people’s heads.”
Nkunyingi urged foreign missions in Uganda to maintain their integrity by using official diplomatic protocols rather than engaging informal actors. He stressed the importance of keeping foreign capitals informed about Uganda’s human rights situation and channelling concerns through recognized state institutions.
The shadow minister also decried recent arrests and deportations of East African activists, including Kenya’s Boniface Mwangi and Martha Karua, and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire. The trio had travelled to Tanzania to observe the treason trial of opposition figure Tundu Lissu. Nkunyingi argued that such actions erode regional trust and violate the principles of East African integration.
He further called on Uganda’s Foreign Affairs and East African Community ministries to pursue diplomatic remedies and protect the rights of regional citizens engaged in lawful civic activity.
On the issue of citizen welfare abroad, Nkunyingi pressed for immediate government intervention to support 26 Ugandans recently repatriated after being deceived by fraudulent job agents. He also demanded action from Uganda’s embassy in Malaysia to assist citizens reportedly trapped in Myanmar.
“Protection must extend beyond high-profile cases,” he said. “Ugandans everywhere—and our diplomatic partners—deserve predictable, lawful treatment anchored in our Constitution and international conventions.”
Nkunyingi concluded by calling for more frequent and proactive travel advisories to safeguard Ugandans seeking work or travel opportunities abroad.
