Denmark, govt in talks over envoy raid

By Henry Mukasa

THE government and Danish embassy are in talks over an incident in which security personnel raided ambassador Stig Barlyng’s residence on February 19.

Press reports yesterday said the Presidential Guard Brigade (PGB) and Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) raided Barlyng’s home to arrest Ronald Kasekende, who was reportedly spying for Rwanda.

Internal affairs minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda said yesterday, “The government of Uganda is handling the subject matter with the Danish government and I don’t think it would be correct to also manage it in the press.”
Rugunda, who was cagey with details, added, “It would be right for us to let this process mature. It’s on the right track.”

Kasekende reportedly escaped from a safe house located next to the ambassador’s home in Kololo.

The media report said the armed operatives recaptured Kasekende, a Makerere University student of Urban Planning, after over-powering police guards at the envoy’s residence.

It was not clear whether the ambassador had written a diplomatic note protesting the forceful entry into his residence. Barlyng was not available for comment.

CMI chief Col. Leo Kyanda declined to comment. Army spokesman Maj. Felix Kulayigye said he could not say more than what Rugunda had said, adding, “It would be indiscipline. I am below the minister.”