Uganda Parliament queries casino allegations in Dubai Consulate

Lea Hogg August 12, 2024

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Uganda Parliament queries casino allegations in Dubai Consulate

Gen. Haji Abubaker Jeje Odongo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Uganda, said that the government has launched an investigation into reports that officials at the Ugandan Consulate in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, are operating a casino and gambling facility, which is contrary to established diplomatic norms.

He made this revelation during a plenary sitting, responding to a concern raised last week by Muwada Nkunyingi (Kyadondo East), who asked the government to clarify social media reports alleging that Uganda had turned its consulate into a gambling hub.

“The allegations of turning a diplomatic facility into a casino are very serious. These claims touch on the misuse of a diplomatic facility against established diplomatic practices as per the Vienna Convention. They also raise questions about the trust and integrity of individuals and the critical matter of diplomatic relations between countries,” said Minister Jeje.

The Minister added, “Given the seriousness of these allegations, the Government of Uganda has taken a firm stance and instituted investigations. Since these investigations are ongoing, I am constrained in what I can say as it might jeopardize the investigation. I therefore request to make a full statement once the investigations are concluded.”

Before the Minister’s statement, Medard Sseggona (Busiro East) expressed concern about the decision to address such a sensitive matter in Parliament, questioning whether proper consultations were made regarding the implications of these allegations on Uganda’s diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates.

“I am concerned whether before including this matter on the order paper, consultations were made with those knowledgeable in diplomatic law. Considering the importance of this diplomatic mission and the services it provides, did you fully consider the implications of discussing such allegations publicly?” Sseggona questioned.

Diplomatic risks for Uganda’s growing trade with UAE

Sseggona highlighted the potential diplomatic repercussions of an open debate, especially given the recent report from the Ministry of Finance indicating that Uganda’s export earnings in May 2024 amounted to USD 891.97 million, a 39.4 percent increase from April 2024. The United Arab Emirates significantly contributed to this growth, particularly through gold purchases.

The report highlighted that the Middle East was the largest destination for Uganda’s exports, accounting for 34.0 percent of total exports in May 2024, with the UAE purchasing goods worth USD 297.65 million.

According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda established diplomatic relations with Dubai in 2007, opening its embassy in Abu Dhabi the same year. The UAE embassy was opened in Kampala in 2011. The trade relations between Uganda and the UAE are strong and strategic, with the UAE serving as a key trade partner linking Uganda to the Middle East and acting as an important hub for transiting Ugandan goods globally.

Gambling is illegal in the UAE under Federal Penal Code Article 414, which is based on the Quran and forbids gambling practices, including operating a gambling venue or participating in unlawful games of chance. However, in September 2023, the UAE introduced a new regulatory body, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), to oversee commercial gaming, creating a regulatory framework for a national lottery and commercial gaming.

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