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| West Africa Crime Syndicate Hits Uganda |
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STOP ALIEN INFLUX: Katumba Wamala (right) and Elizabeth Kutesa listen to Kassiano |
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By John Kakande
THE Criminal Investigations Department (CID) director, Elizabeth Kutesa, has said a criminal syndicate of nationals from West Africa has established a base in Uganda.
Kutesa and the Inspector General of Police Major General Edward Katumba Wamala were yesterday testifying before the parliamentary select committee on immigration chaired by Dr. Kasirivu Atwooki.
Kutesa revealed that a West African syndicate had established a base in Uganda, engaging in illicit activities including money laundering and forging travel documents.
�They have perfected the game,� said Kutesa, adding that many Ugandans wishing to go for kyeyo (odd jobs abroad) had fallen prey to the syndicate. He said a number of Ugandans had been arrested over forged travel documents.
Kutesa said Ugandans had become notorious in Europe for forged travel documents and were about to overtake Nigerians in the vice.
But midway their testimony, the
press was sent out of the meeting after MP Kasiano Wadri asked Katumba Wamala to explain whether it was due to political interference that a �notorious money launderer� wanted in the West was being given sanctuary in Uganda.
Katumba said he would only talk about the issue if the press left the room.
Katumba and Kutesa decried the influx of foreigners into the country.
Katumba said he had just received a report from the Special Branch director indicating that the influx needed to be halted.
Katumba said the immigration department needed to work closely with the Police, particularly due to the problem of terrorism. He said there were terrorist cells in neighbouring countries, making it vital to know who enters the country.
Ends
Published on: Thursday, 18th March, 2004 | | |
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