Okello Oryem: NUP Supporters Are ‘Hooligans,’ Not Peaceful Demonstrators

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello Oryem has lashed out at National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters for being disrespectful.

He expressed his disdain towards the Robert Kyagulanyi-led party in an interview on NTV, where he addressed the circumstances surrounding the expulsion of Uganda’s Ambassador to Canada, Joy Ruth Acheng.

Last week, Acheng was declared persona non grata by the Canadian government for allegedly involving herself in uncouth behavior. This stemmed from her reaction to a section of NUP supporters who were protesting on a street in Toronto, Canada. They were protesting the arrest of NUP President Kyagulanyi’s bodyguard, Achileo Kivumbi.

In her reaction, the Ambassador accused NUP supporters of forging abduction narratives to tarnish Uganda’s image. But Okello Oryem advises that the country shouldn’t judge Acheng by the video clips they saw on social media. He asked the public to consider numerous underlying factors that could have pushed her to do so.

“These NUP people are not peaceful demonstrators. They are hooligans. They are known as hooligans in Uganda and even in Europe. I have never heard of any NUP demonstration that is peaceful. I am surprised. They are very disrespectful and should not be given credit that they are peaceful.” Minister Okello said.

Okello Oryem Defends Uganda’s diplomatic missions

He said the ongoing challenges with Ambassador Acheng shouldn’t worry Ugandans as they’re inconsequential. Oryem acknowledged that the government has taken steps to rectify this issue, stressing that it was an individual error.

“These are individuals that erred in their duties and not the institutions. Were it the institution and not the individuals being questioned, then I would be concerned.” Henry Okello Oryem stated.

The State Minister also revealed that since the embassy was not shut down by the Canadian state, Uganda has no cause for alarm. Additionally, he addressed fears that Uganda’s diplomatic officers are not properly oriented in their roles. Oryem confirmed that the government is holding a refresher session for diplomats from all missions in Jinja next week.