Kadaga asks China to release Ugandan prisoners

KAMPALA.

Speaker Rebecca Kadaga has requested a visiting Chinese diplomat to release more than 70 Ugandans on death row in China.
A number of Ugandans are currently on death row in China over drug trafficking, with unspecified number charged with other crimes such as prostitution and illegal immigration or overstay. In July 2014, China executed two Ugandans convicted of trafficking narcotics. They were identified as Omar Ddamulira and Ham Andrew Ngobi.
The duo were part of the 23 listed two years ago to be sentenced to death, while another 22 are serving life in jail over similar offences.
However, during a meeting with the Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Mr Wang Yang at Parliament on Friday, Kadaga said China had shown positive response to the request by the government to have the prisoners transferred back home.
“...we discussed the possibility of transfer of Ugandans convicted in China and the chairman said they will think about it. It is work in progress,” Ms Kadaga said.
She also applauded China for its renewed commitment in reducing the trade imbalance between the two countries, which she said puts Uganda at 90 per cent while China is at three percent. “There will be a trade expo in China in November this year and the chairman of CPPCC has assured us that companies from Uganda will be given special opportunity and priority,” Ms Kadaga said.
Mr Wang acknowledged Parliament’s efforts in maintaining close relations with the CPPCC, saying China has enjoyed good cooperation with Uganda in all areas.