What you need to know:
- Igara West MP Gaffa Mbwatekamwa has urged the government to address and rescue Ugandan students stranded in Iran due to a purported fake scholarship scheme reportedly organized by the Office of the NRM Party Chairman in Kyambogo.
- He also noted that there are gaps in diplomatic representation not only in Iran but also in Kenya and three other missions following the deaths of ambassadors, including Hassan Wasswa Galiwango in January 2023.
Igara West MP Gaffa Mbwatekamwa has urged the government to address and rescue Ugandan students stranded in Iran due to a purported fake scholarship scheme reportedly organized by the Office of the NRM Party Chairman in Kyambogo.
Mbwatekamwa stated that the 100 students were enticed to apply for fully funded study opportunities, only to discover upon arrival in Iran that the courses they were promised did not exist. He also mentioned that each student was required to pay $800 for their travel to Iran.
“On October 10, 2023, the Office of the NRM National Chairman in Kyambogo advertised scholarships for Ugandans wishing to study in Iran. One hundred students were selected and assured that the scholarships would cover all expenses. However, upon arrival, many found that the promised courses were nonexistent,” he explained.
He added that some students have been left destitute, with some girls turning to prostitution to survive.
Abed Bwanika (NUP, Kimaanya-Kabonera Division) corroborated the situation, sharing that a relative was also deceived by this scheme. “One of my relatives was promised a veterinary medicine scholarship and ended up stranded in Iran without transportation back. We have just managed to evacuate him. This situation is serious and warrants investigation,” Bwanika said.
Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Muwada Nkunyingi, suggested that the government use this crisis to address the diplomatic gaps in Iran created by the recent death of former Ugandan Ambassador Muhammad Kisambira. He proposed that appointing a new ambassador could be a crucial step in resolving the issues facing Ugandan nationals in Iran.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeje Odongo acknowledged that the allegations were new to him but promised to investigate and provide a detailed response later in the week. He also noted that there are gaps in diplomatic representation not only in Iran but also in Kenya and three other missions following the deaths of ambassadors, including Hassan Wasswa Galiwango in January 2023.
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