Kampala, Uganda — Three weeks ago, senior Ugandan envoy Amb. Nimisha Madhvani returned from London, but her return has sparked controversy, with reports suggesting her activities were far from discreet.
Ambassador Madhvani, a key figure at Uganda’s Mission to the UK, is now entangled in serious allegations resembling a military-style operation. Sources suggest that she may have been involved in a human trafficking network, allegedly using her diplomatic status to smuggle Ugandan women to the UK under false employment offers as domestic workers.
Insiders from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs claim that British authorities uncovered a scheme in which these women were sold into domestic servitude. It’s alleged that the envoy profited from their labor. The investigation took a significant turn after one of the victims managed to escape and exposed the fraudulent work documentation that had been used to lure her to the UK.
Responding to the accusations, the envoy threatened legal action against anyone linking her to the scandal, calling the claims “fabricated.” She insists the domestic worker involved is only seeking asylum in the UK, and that these accusations are meant to undermine her efforts to resolve the issue.
Efforts to obtain comments from Vincent Bagiire, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were unsuccessful, and no response was received from Amb. Madhvani’s supervisor in the UK, despite attempts to reach her.
Although the envoy was officially recalled three months ago, the ongoing allegations have stirred significant concerns in Kampala. Some sources indicate that she was set for redeployment to Dubai, where another Ugandan diplomat is under scrutiny for involvement in a gambling scandal.
A Growing Pattern of Diplomatic Scandals
This case is part of a troubling pattern of scandals involving Uganda’s foreign missions. In August, revelations emerged of Ugandan diplomats in Dubai participating in illegal gambling, sparking discussions in Parliament.
Additionally, the recent expulsion of Uganda’s envoy to Canada, Joy Ruth Acheng, after being declared persona non-grata, adds to the mounting list of diplomatic controversies. This list includes allegations of money laundering in Abuja and Algiers, embezzlement in New York, tax evasion in Kinshasa, and suspicious fires at Uganda’s Embassy in Nairobi.
As these diplomatic issues continue to surface, concerns over Uganda’s international reputation are growing. CMP Publications will monitor this story closely as new developments arise.