(Photo credit: AFP)

SOCIAL MEDIA

The ministry of foreign affairs has rubbished claims making rounds on social media that 23 Ugandan prisoners in China are allegedly set to be hanged over drug trafficking offences.

A statement from the ministry shows that the list in circulation is one of those who were sentenced to death a number of years ago but were later granted a two-year reprieve by the Chinese courts.

The document further indicates that as a ministry, they are not at liberty to discuss individuals' circumstances.

The ministry also says that to their understanding, the Chinese government has not scheduled executions of any Ugandan prisoners at this time.

The information circulating is false, says the foreign affairs ministry, going on to call for respect to the families of those concerned.

The ministry wants individuals to exercise restraint when circulating unsubstantiated information.