Uganda’s Parliament, under the leadership of Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, has called upon Foreign Affairs Minister Gen. Jeje Odongo to address allegations of an oversized delegation sent to the recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The summons comes in the wake of leaked reports suggesting that Uganda dispatched an unusually large delegation of 71 officials to the UNGA.

Muwadda Nkunyingi, a Member of Parliament from Kyadondo East representing the National Unity Platform (NUP), raised concerns about the size and composition of the Ugandan delegation. He revealed that only ten of the individuals in the delegation had received proper accreditation, while 60 others were listed as advisors without the necessary accreditation. Additionally, there were reports that Foreign Affairs Minister Okello Oryem had accredited his wife to be part of the delegation.

This revelation has ignited a debate within Uganda, with questions raised about the inclusion of individuals in the delegation who may not have had a legitimate reason to attend the UNGA. The controversy has also resulted in tensions within the government, particularly between Prime Minister Robinnah Nabbanja and Minister for General Duties Justine Kasule Lumumba, whose inclusion in the delegation has been a subject of dispute.

During a recent NRM retreat, President Yoweri Museveni addressed the issue and tasked Prime Minister Nabbanja and Vice President Jessica Alupo, the official representative at the UNGA, to provide clarification. Government Chief Whip Dennis Hamson Obua confirmed that each of them had traveled with five people as part of the delegation.

The summoning of Foreign Affairs Minister Gen. Jeje Odongo aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Uganda’s delegation to the UNGA and address the concerns raised about its size and composition. This development is expected to provide clarity on the matter and address the ongoing controversy.