The opposition in parliament has mounted pressure on the government to rescue Ugandans trapped in Khartoum, Sudan where fights erupted on Saturday following protracted political tensions.
However, Uganda’s Ambassador to Khartoum Dr. Rashid Yahya Semuddu says there are 219 Ugandans stranded in Khartoum including 19 travelers but he guarantees their safety.
After months of tension in Sudan, fights erupted two days ago between the army and a powerful paramilitary force known as the Rapid Support Forces.
The clashes have trapped several Ugandans in the capital of Khartoum including 19 travelers who were transiting to Mecca are held at Sudan Airport.
The opposition in parliament led by the shadow minister of Foreign affairs Muwada Nkunyingi has addressed the press at parliament and called on the government to rescue trapped Ugandans before the situation in Sudan worsens.
Legislators noted that they have received several distress calls from Ugandans who are currently stranded on the battlefield. The opposition blames the Ministry of foreign affairs for failure to issue timely travel advice to Ugandans.
The opposition has tasked the Ministry of foreign affairs to coordinate with Uganda’s embassy in Sudan to verify the actual number of trapped Ugandans and also allow access to the embassy. They have also appealed to the fighting forces to avoid violating the rights of civilians.
However, Dr. Rashid Yahya Semuddu Uganda’s Ambassador to Khartoum has assured the public that all Ugandans in Khartoum are safe despite crossfire. He explained that Uganda has 80 students and 120 workers in Khartoum, who are safe as of now.
