Date: August 16, 2024
Location: Toronto, Canada
In a significant diplomatic development, the Canadian government has declared Uganda’s High Commissioner, Joy Ruth Acheng, “persona non grata” and has announced her impending deportation on August 21, 2024. This decision has sparked discussions regarding the circumstances that led to such an unprecedented move.
The controversy began with a viral video that surfaced online showing Ambassador Acheng in a heated exchange with supporters of Uganda’s National Unity Platform (NUP) in Toronto. The video, which quickly gained traction on social media, depicted Acheng making controversial remarks about the alleged abductions of NUP supporters by Ugandan security forces. Acheng was heard dismissing these concerns, claiming, “The problem is that you abduct yourselves,” a statement that has since drawn widespread criticism (CMP News) (Clinton).
The Canadian government’s decision to deport Acheng stems primarily from what has been described as “uncouth behavior.” The ambassador’s public confrontation with political dissidents and her inflammatory remarks were seen as a breach of diplomatic conduct, leading to her being declared “persona non grata” under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (New Vision).
Another factor contributing to the decision was Acheng’s perceived involvement in partisan politics, which is generally frowned upon for diplomats. The video showed Acheng not only engaging with NUP supporters but also taking selfies with some of them, further complicating her position as a neutral diplomatic representative.
The incident has also sparked a significant public outcry, particularly from Ugandan communities in Canada who viewed Acheng’s comments as dismissive and insensitive to the real threats faced by NUP supporters in Uganda. This backlash, amplified by media coverage and social media, likely played a role in the Canadian government’s swift decision (Rattibha).
Ambassador Joy Ruth Acheng’s deportation marks a rare and serious diplomatic action by the Canadian government. As the situation unfolds, it will be essential to monitor the impact this event may have on Uganda-Canada relations and the broader discourse on diplomatic conduct and human rights.