Govt Urged to Rescue 27 Nationals Stranded in Myanmar Rebel Territories

Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Muwadda Nkunyingi has called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ugandan government to take urgent action in rescuing and repatriating 27 Ugandan nationals stranded in rebel-held territories in Myanmar.

“I have received numerous distress calls from Ugandan nationals held by rebels in Myanmar, pleading for rescue and repatriation,” Muwadda stated. “Those in captivity have reported horrific mistreatment, including food denial, rape, and physical abuse.”

The Shadow Minister has released a list of the 27 identified Ugandan nationals and their passport numbers:

•Namwanje Sarah – A01062710

•Naiwumbwe Fuza – O321648

•Sali Ohinson – BOO184898

•Kalinimi Junior – A00910668

•Muhammed Ssenyonga – A01039335

•Nshekanabo Galileo – A00723122

•Rose Bugabane – B00296598

•Kimera Musa Zaki – A00733403

•Tushemerire Ronah – BO0438939

•Namugga Lydia – A00649024

•Tiko Brenda – A00152216

•Muzaki Justine – A00408726

•Kaweesi Michael – AOOO31658

•Nyamwe Ivan Sande – AO0911947

•Namukwaya Jaria – AOO645681

•Kamya Eria – BOOO26686

•Nabbanja Florence – AOO679517

•Kibirango Geoffrey – BOO157368

•Mukiibi John – B00420954

•Nantumbwe Tracy – B00272815

•Nakasolya Retisha – BOO219868

•Luwalira Enock Nyombi – B0O022545

•Habiibah Muhammad – A0O283915

•Nanyonjo Caroline – A00208920

•Karungi Deborah Nice Adrona – AO1007591

•Muhindo Aloysious – A01011131

•Lanyero Faith Victoria – BO0325478

Muwadda emphasized that while the rebels have expressed willingness to release the captives under international pressure, efforts to secure assistance from the Ugandan Embassy in Malaysia have been unsuccessful.

“It’s alarming that other countries have successfully rescued their nationals, while our citizens remain stranded,” he said. “The Ugandan government must act immediately to secure their release and intensify efforts to raise awareness about human trafficking.”

The Shadow Minister has expressed concern over the lack of assistance from the Ugandan Embassy in Malaysia, which the stranded nationals had reportedly contacted for help.

He is now urging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ugandan government to take immediate and decisive action.

The statement calls for urgent measures to rescue and repatriate the stranded Ugandans, provision of necessary resources including air travel, transportation, and food, and increased awareness of human trafficking risks.

The situation highlights the growing issue of human trafficking and the vulnerability of individuals seeking employment abroad.

As the calls for intervention grow louder, affected families and human rights activists await the government’s response.