Ugandan High Commissioner Faces Backlash Over Threats Against Peaceful Protesters in Canada

Ottawa, Canada—Uganda’s High Commissioner to Canada, Joy Ruth Acheng, is facing significant backlash after an incident during a peaceful protest by the Ugandan diaspora in Ottawa. The protest aimed to spotlight corruption and human rights violations in Uganda, but it quickly became controversial due to Acheng’s alleged conduct.

During the demonstration, Acheng, instead of addressing the concerns of the protesters diplomatically, reportedly threatened to involve the Ottawa Police Service, sparking outrage both on the ground and online. Eyewitnesses claim that Acheng’s behavior was more reminiscent of a “street thug” than a diplomat, as she accused Uganda’s opposition of kidnapping and murdering citizens to tarnish the government’s reputation. Her remarks, seen by many as inflammatory and unbefitting of her diplomatic status, have drawn widespread criticism.

The incident was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media platforms, including X, where the UK chapter of the People Power—National Unity Platform (NUP) posted the footage. The post, which accused Acheng of acting contrary to the values of diplomatic engagement, has fueled calls for action from Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mélanie Joly. Critics are urging the Canadian government to expel Acheng, citing her actions as a blatant abuse of diplomatic immunity and a threat to the freedoms of expression and assembly, which are enshrined in the Canadian Constitution.

“Canada is not Uganda, where intimidation, violence, and arbitrary arrests are used to silence dissent,” the NUP’s UK chapter stated in their viral post. They further highlighted that such actions contradict the United Nations Charter and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which Uganda is a signatory.

The incident has cast a shadow over Uganda’s diplomatic relations with Canada, raising questions about the conduct of its representatives abroad. Observers are now keenly watching how Global Affairs Canada and Minister Joly will respond to this diplomatic challenge. The Ugandan community, human rights advocates, and the international community are all waiting to see if Acheng will be held accountable, or if the incident will be swept under the rug under the guise of diplomatic immunity.

This controversy also brings into sharp focus the broader issues of governance and human rights in Uganda, where President Yoweri Museveni’s regime has been repeatedly accused of using heavy-handed tactics to suppress opposition and maintain power. The protest in Ottawa is just one example of the growing global efforts by the Ugandan diaspora to bring attention to these pressing issues.

  • Gad Oteba

    Gad Oteba is an investigative journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering stories that matter. His work focuses on corruption, governance, and social justice issues in Africa. Driven by a commitment to transparency and accountability, Gad aims to bring hidden truths to light and ensure that the voices of the marginalized are heard. Through his rigorous reporting and in-depth analysis, he strives to make a lasting impact on the communities he covers.

    Related Posts

    Ruto’s Call to Action: Tackling Kenya’s Femicides Head-On

    In a powerful response to the rising tide of femicides and violent crimes, President William Ruto has urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to step up its game. Speaking…

    Read more

    Government Introduces Vehicle Restrictions for CSs, Bans Private Number Plates for State Cars

    The Kenyan government has announced new restrictions on official vehicles allocated to government officials, aiming to enhance fiscal responsibility and uphold a commitment to austerity measures. The proposals, outlined in…

    Read more

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Ruto’s Call to Action: Tackling Kenya’s Femicides Head-On

    Ruto’s Call to Action: Tackling Kenya’s Femicides Head-On

    Government Introduces Vehicle Restrictions for CSs, Bans Private Number Plates for State Cars

    Government Introduces Vehicle Restrictions for CSs, Bans Private Number Plates for State Cars

    High Court Freezes KETRACO-Adani Sh95 Billion Deal Pending Review

    High Court Freezes KETRACO-Adani Sh95 Billion Deal Pending Review

    High Court Halts Impeachment of Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua

    High Court Halts Impeachment of Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua

    Pope Francis Criticizes U.S. Presidential Candidates, Urges Catholic Voters to Choose “Lesser Evil”

    Pope Francis Criticizes U.S. Presidential Candidates, Urges Catholic Voters to Choose “Lesser Evil”

    US Embassy in Nairobi Issues Security Alert Amid Rising Threats

    US Embassy in Nairobi Issues Security Alert Amid Rising Threats