Uganda High Commissioner Faces Backlash for Threatening Protesters in Canada

In a dramatic turn of events, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Canada, Joy Ruth Acheng, has come under fire for her conduct during a peaceful protest organized by the Ugandan diaspora in Ottawa. The protest aimed to highlight the ongoing issues of corruption and human rights abuses in Uganda. Witnesses report that Acheng, dressed in yellow and wearing glasses, behaved more like a common street thug than a seasoned diplomat, allegedly threatening to call the Ottawa Police Service to act against the demonstrators.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Canada Faces Calls for Expulsion Over Threats to Peaceful Protesters
The protest, held to raise awareness about the deteriorating human rights situation in Uganda, saw Ugandans in Canada rallying against the government’s oppressive tactics. The demonstrators called out President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s regime for its use of intimidation, violence, and arbitrary arrests to silence dissent. The protesters emphasized that such actions are in direct contravention of the Ugandan Constitution, the UN Charter, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

One of the key moments that sparked outrage was when Acheng accused the Ugandan opposition of kidnapping and killing their own people to tarnish the country’s image. This statement was met with vehement criticism from political activists and human rights advocates who were present at the protest. They argue that Acheng’s remarks are not only unfounded but also deeply offensive to the victims of state-sanctioned violence in Uganda.

“Ambassador Acheng’s actions and statements are unacceptable and unbecoming of a diplomat. Her behavior was a stark reminder that while she may represent the Ugandan government, she is operating on Canadian soil, where the right to peaceful protest is protected,” said a prominent human rights activist at the protest. “The Government of Canada must take a strong stand against such intimidation tactics. We urge Minister Mélanie Joly and Global Affairs Canada to consider expelling Ambassador Acheng for her threatening behavior and abuse of diplomatic privileges.”

The call for Acheng’s expulsion has gained traction on social media, with hashtags like #Corruption and #HumanRightsAbuses trending among the Ugandan community and their supporters. Many have pointed out that Canada’s commitment to human rights and democratic values should compel the government to take decisive action against any diplomat who breaches these principles.

“The Ugandan government, under the leadership of President Museveni, has a notorious track record of using violence and repression to stifle dissent. It’s disheartening to see their representatives attempting to export these tactics to a democratic country like Canada,” said another protester. “We must stand firm in our commitment to free expression and assembly, and that means holding diplomats accountable for their actions.”

As the controversy continues to unfold, all eyes are on the Canadian government and how it will respond to the calls for action against Ambassador Acheng. The situation underscores the ongoing struggle for human rights and the importance of international solidarity in the face of repression.