MPs order inquiry into illegal immigration

By Yasiin Mugerwa (email the author)
Posted Tuesday, July 6 2010 at 00:00
Members of Parliament yesterday asked the police to investigate the Internal Affairs ministry after a report showed that 323 people had been arrested over illegal immigration. The report compiled by the directorate of citizenship and immigration control office and released yesterday puts Asians of Indian and Chinese origin in lead positions followed by Kenyans.
The MPs on the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee learnt that of the 323 illegal immigrants arrested between July 2008-June 2009, 129 were legalised through unclear circumstances, seven escaped and 21 were only cautioned and released.

Shocking revelations
“In which country would you be arrested for being an illegal immigrant and cautioned, legalised and released?” PAC chairman Nandala Mafabi asked Ministry of Internal Affairs officials led by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Steven Kagoda. “In other countries, our people are kept in detention centres like animals yet here we only caution them and even legalise their stay. This is unfair to Ugandans and we want the police to investigate officials in the Ministry of Internal Affairs.”
Other illegal immigrants include those from Kenya and Pakistan (eight each), Somalia (three), Chad (five) Sri Lanka (one) (Burundi (one), Turkey (one), Lebanon (one), Guinea and Bangladesh (three).

The lawmakers accused Internal Affairs Ministry officials, who were appearing in the committee to respond to audit queries, of letting down Ugandans in the fight against unemployment. “It’s unfortunate that illegal immigrants have been allowed to compete with Ugandans for the few available jobs in the country,” Mr Mafabi (FDC) said.

Sharing the findings with PAC, Ms Josephine Okwany, the commissioner inspection and legal services said 62 were released after presenting valid immigration documents, 97 were deported and others escaped due to lack of a detention facility.

While Mr Tom Kazibwe (NRM) cited bribery in illegal immigrants’ escape and release, Ms Okwany said: “The Chinese jumped off the Pick-up after we arrested them and escaped. It was not our intention to let them go otherwise we have deported a number of illegal immigrants.”

Lack staff
Dr Kagoda, however, said: “Internal Affairs treats illegal immigrants seriously and we have been carrying out regular swoops but the problem is lack of facilities and staff in the department dealing with inspection at the ministry.”
The committee heard that there were only 15 officers at the inspection and legal services department overseeing issues of illegal immigrants in 110 districts. The department has only two vehicles, something that has complicated government efforts to deal with illegal immigrants.

The Committee noted that there were many people whose permits expired but were still in the country. Mr Okello Oduman (FDC) said some illegal foreigners pretend to be investors and operate small businesses in the guise of investment to the disadvantage of unemployed Ugandans.