Uganda not aware of Sudanese envoy's recall

By Mary Karugaba

WITH allegation of Uganda’s relations with the Khartoum government straining again, the Government has said it is not aware of the recall of the Sudanese Ambassador Hussein Awad Ali.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, James Mugume, told New Vision, on Saturday that the Government of Uganda has not yet received any information from Khartoum about its move.

“When Khartoum takes such a drastic step, it has to notify the ministry officially that it’s recalling its ambassador. As a permanent secretary, I have not received such information and am not aware of the recall,” Mugume said in a phone interview.

He wondered whether Awad had already left the country. “Has he left the country?” Mugume, who sounded surprised, inquired.

Awad could not be reached but a woman who claimed to be his wife named Hudda said she was not aware of the recall allegations.

“As a wife, I don’t know anything about that (recall). My husband is still around,” she said, when asked her whether she was aware of the move.

Media reported on Saturday that Khartoum, in a strained relationship with Uganda, had recalled its ambassador over suspicions that Uganda was harbouring Sudanese rebels and foreign affairs spokesperson Fred Opolot was quoted to have confirmed Hussein Awad Ali’s recall.

Sudan has for long accused Uganda of supporting and sheltering rebels fighting against the regime in Khartoum.

This has prompted Khartoum to lodge several complaints with the African Union and other regional blocs against Kampala, saying the latter is supporting regime change in Sudan.