Uganda Imposes Ultimatum After Sentencing 41 Kenyan Nationals

Uganda has set a deadline for the release of 41 Kenyan prisoners who are accused of killing three geologists and two soldiers from the Uganda People's Defence Force in April.

During a Thursday briefing to the National Assembly's Public Petitions Committee, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi outlined the country's position on the criminals detained in Uganda. The individuals will only be released if those guilty of the crime are identified. The Foreign Affairs Ministry is working with their Ugandan counterparts on the matter and President William Ruto is also involved. Mudavadi's update shed light on the situation and underscored the government's efforts toward resolution.

Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai and the Committee put into doubt whether the Ministry has Kenya's welfare at heart. In his defence, Mudavadi clarified that Uganda and Kenya have an ongoing mutual agreement of legal assistance dictated by the East African Community Treaty. Through this deal, offenders can be extradited to the country where their alleged violation took place.

The framework has left MPs uncertain about its effectiveness for the exchange of prisoners. However, they have encouraged Mudavadi and Attorney General Justin Muturi to collaborate on repatriating the detained Kenyans. A group of 41 Kenyans embarked on a quest for water and fertile pasture in Uganda to sustain their livestock. However, their journey took an unexpected turn when they were imprisoned in April.

The Kenyans were imprisoned for contravening Section 119 of the UPDF Act. According to the legislation, anyone found in possession of any military gear, weapons, or ammunition falls within the scope of military jurisdiction, whether civilians or army personnel. Consequently, the Kenyans were sentenced to imprisonment in Uganda with their sentences ranging from 8 to 20 years.