JUST IN: Canada Expels Ugandan Envoy Over Diplomatic Conduct Breach
In a shocking move, Canada has expelled Uganda’s High Commissioner Joy Ruth Acheng, citing a breach of diplomatic code of conduct ¹. Acheng’s actions, which included openly supporting Uganda’s ruling party and confronting opposition protesters in Toronto, have sparked outrage.
Acheng, who has served as Uganda’s High Commissioner to Canada since September 2017, was declared “persona non grata” on August 21. This came after opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi shared a video on X showing Acheng wearing ruling party colors and accusing NUP supporters of abducting and killing themselves to secure Canadian visas.
A Glaring Disregard for Diplomatic Neutrality
Acheng’s actions have been widely condemned, with many viewing them as a blatant disregard for diplomatic neutrality. Ambassadors and diplomatic envoys are strictly prohibited from engaging in party politics to maintain neutrality and uphold international diplomacy principles.
Canada has decided to deport Uganda’s ambassador following reports of misconduct. The ambassador was captured on video wearing yellow while trolling and harassing Ugandan opposition members peacefully protesting against bad governance on the streets of Canada. According to… pic.twitter.com/VP0zN8ib5o
— Remmy Bahati (@BahatiRemmy) August 16, 2024
Condemnation and Controversy
The incident has sparked intense scrutiny, with experts questioning how such a lapse in character and oversight could occur within diplomatic ranks. Ugandan journalist Remmy Bahati expressed disbelief over Acheng’s conduct, while feminist lawyer and human rights advocate Rebecca Kabejja criticized Acheng for blaming the LGBTQ+ community.
The gays in Uganda have really suffered 😭😭😭.. Joy Ruth Aceng is uncouth, unprofessional, unwilling to learn, incompetent and so many more but here she is blaming the gays. Ugandan leaders are so pathetic and unwise. This is embarrassing 😭😭 https://t.co/fWObGLEBKf
— Rebecca Kabejja (@RMKabejja) August 26, 2024
A Draconian Law and International Backlash
Acheng has blamed her deportation on the Anti-Homosexuality Act, a law passed last year that strictly punishes homosexuality activity and advocacy. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has strongly condemned the law, describing it as “despicable” and urging world leaders to reject it.
