10 Ugandans being held in Congo prison illegally: Rights group

KAMPALA, Uganda

A total of 10 Ugandans are being held in prison in the Democratic Republic of the Congo illegally, a rights group said Tuesday.

“Let me bring to your attention that our team in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo has today morning visited the main prison of Goma at Munzenze and found 10 Ugandans being illegally detained there,” said Pecos Kulihoshi Musikami, regional coordinator of Global Refugee Leaders Forum.

Musikami said that they have spent more than three years in prison and were all arrested during former President Joseph Kabila’s regime before 2018 elections.

Ugandans reportedly have not been taken to court to be charged for any offence.

Prisoners told the team that they hail from Uganda’s districts of Kiboga, Masaka, Ntungamo, Rwanja, and Kiboga, according to Musikami.

“Some are accused of selling illicit alcohol, illegally staying in the country, and others for being in association with ADF rebels,” he added.

He called upon authorities in Uganda to come to the aid of its countrymen.

James Mugisha, assistant spokesperson for the Uganda government, said that the government is going to discuss with the Democratic Republic of the Congo so that the Ugandans are set free.