Lt. Col. Frank Musisi, a Ugandan-born soldier serving in the U.S. Army, encountered distressing circumstances during his recent return to Uganda.
Reports indicate that upon his arrival at Entebbe International Airport, he was detained for three hours by immigration officials from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC), who also confiscated his passport.
The officials cited “pride” as the reason for the confiscation, and it’s alleged that they later demanded a bribe for his release. To secure his freedom, Lt. Col. Musisi had to contact authorities in Washington.
This incident highlights a troubling trend where returning Ugandan citizens, particularly those who speak out against human rights violations and criticize the government, face suppression and mistreatment. Lt. Col. Musisi has been vocal about issues such as police brutality and injustice in Uganda, making his detention even more concerning.
It’s important to note that this detention occurred amid a level 3 travel advisory from the United States warning against travel to Uganda due to concerns about crime, terrorism, and anti-LGBTQI+ legislation.
This situation emphasizes the urgent need for greater scrutiny and accountability within Uganda’s immigration and law enforcement agencies to ensure that returning citizens are treated fairly and their rights are respected.
The Ugandan government has not yet responded to these allegations. However, it’s crucial that they address them transparently and take concrete steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As this story unfolds, we will continue to provide updates and additional details as they become available.
