Uganda issued passports to anti-Bashir rebels
By Online Team
23rd April 2012:
Rebel SPLM-N Secretary General Arman
The Sudanese government has accused Ugandan authorities of issuing passports to senior officials from the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) that is fighting to overthrow President Omar Al Bashir’s government. If proved to be true, the revelation, which was published by the Sudan Tribune newspaper could worsen the simmering diplomatic relations between Uganda and Sudan.
Sudanese Media Center (SMC), widely believed to be run by the country’s intelligence bureau, said that the SPLM-N Secretary General Yasser Arman and his deputy, Abdel-Aziz al-Hilu were allegedly given Ugandan business passports number B02097728 and B0B34356 respectively.
Both the passports were allegedly issued in August 2008, are valid till February 2014. The two passports, according to SMC, reportedly indicate that the two rebel officials were born in Mulago, Uganda’s main referral hospital.
An official from Uganda’s internal affairs ministry on Saturday, however, questioned the authenticity of the said documents and told Sudan Tribune that the ministry has clear procedures for obtaining passports that are only issued to Ugandan citizens.
“I don’t know what they are talking about. How can we issue passports to foreign nationals? We have procedures to be followed and that what the general public should know,” said the official who requested anonymity because he was unauthorized to speak to the media.
He said Uganda can only issue work permits to individuals or companies involved in business or trade activities, which is valid for specific periods, but subject to renewal.
“Business and trade permits one of the services we offer to those who express interest in Uganda. However, one need to present a photocopy of his or her passport, cover letter, memorandum of understanding and a letter of good conduct, among others requirement to attain a work permit,” the official added.
SPLM-N officials were unavailable to comment on the matter. Fighting has been raging for months between the Sudanese army and SPLM-N rebels which says it wants to topple the Khartoum government, in the states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile, adjacent to newly-independent South Sudan.
Khartoum has lodged several complaints accusing South Sudan of backing the SPLM-N rebels, a claim the Juba regime flatly denies. END. Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.
