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Ugandan MPs accuse Kenyan traffic policemen of demanding bribes


Kenyan traffic policemen recently harassed Ugandan MPs who were on a visit to the country for allegedly refusing to part with bribes.

The policemen even threatened the visiting MPs with possible arrests.

The embarrassing scenario was the subject of a heated debate last week in Uganda’s Parliament, which has since directed the country’s Foreign Affairs ministry to protest to Kenya.

The two specific cases involved Mbale Woman Representative Connie Galiwango, and Usuk MP Peter Ogwang’.

Ms Galiwango claims traffic policemen stationed at different road blocks on the Nairobi – Mombasa highway demanded for bribes.

DAUGHTER’S WEDDING

When she said she would not pay, some of the policemen held her briefly, while others threatened to lock her up. The legislator was enroute to attend her daughter’s wedding at the Coast.

“I do not see how the East African Community is helping Ugandans. When Kenyans come to Uganda, we treat them well. However when we are in their country, they mistreat us. Our leaders have to address this issue others the problem with persist,” Ms Galiwango told Ugandan newspaper Daily Monitor.

Mr Ogwang also claimed he had to cut short his journey to Kenya after many policemen asked him for money.

In response Government Chief whip Ruth Nankabirwa described the two incidents as “serious”.

“It is unfortunate that the other countries do not reciprocate,” Ms Nankabirwa said.

“This matter is very serious. The Ministry of East African Community Affairs should object to the kind of treatment Kenya subjects Ugandans.”