By KT Reporter
Persons of concern and foreign nationals residing in various settlements and urban centers in West Nile have been cautioned against engaging in activities that violate Ugandan laws. This follows reports of several South Sudanese, Congolese, Somalis, and other foreigners participating in activities such as fights that often lead to deaths, assaults, consuming dangerous and prohibited substances like shisha and marijuana, driving without valid permits, engaging in partisan politics, and committing other crimes.
Such criminal activities have resulted in many foreigners being detained in police cells, facing legal proceedings in courts of law, or serving sentences in prisons across Arua and other parts of the country. Many of the suspects have claimed ignorance of Ugandan laws, which has not been a valid defense.
Dorothy Umiki Ekeen, a legal officer at FIDA Uganda, emphasized that educating foreigners about Uganda’s laws will help them refrain from actions that could put them at risk of legal consequences, including the loss of refugee status as outlined under Uganda’s Refugee Act of 2006.
According to the Act, refugees are required to respect Ugandan laws, and failure to do so may lead to the withdrawal of their refugee protection, arrest, deportation, and imprisonment.
Francis Ayume, the Executive Director of Refugee Empowerment and Development Network (RED-NET), a refugee-led organization in Arua City, expressed concern over reports that some refugees and foreigners might be aligning themselves with political factions to influence the upcoming general elections.
Ayume explained that RED-NET has already implemented strategies to educate and sensitize refugees and other foreigners, ensuring that they play a neutral role during their stay in Uganda.
George Adima, the head of Human Resources at the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), advised foreign nationals and refugees not to resort to an ‘eye for an eye’ approach when resolving conflicts, as such actions violate human rights.
Meanwhile, Salim Kumakech, the Resident City Commissioner for Arua City, urged foreigners to respect the laws of Uganda and refrain from engaging in any illegal activities, including political activism.
Other issues addressed to the aliens and foreigners include promoting human rights, preventing gender-based violence, and fostering peaceful coexistence in Arua and West Nile. As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, authorities in West Nile remain vigilant in ensuring that all civic and criminal actions are handled under Uganda’s constitutional provisions-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
