By Watchdog reporter
Recently, government the Chinese Embassy refuted media reports that its diplomats were involved in dubious ivory smuggling deals with some officials in Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and it denounced knowing the two Chinese by names of Li Wejin and Yinzhi who were implicated in the scandal.
Now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has come out to apologize to the Chinese Embassy regarding the issue saying it regrets the negative impact this incident may have caused to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform all to whom it may concern that following a thorough review of its records, it has confirmed that both Mr. Li Wejin and Yinzhi are not accredited diplomats with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Uganda,” said Patrick S Mugoya, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary.
“China and Uganda continue to enjoy very cordial relations. The Government of Uganda reiterates its commitment to strengthening further the relations and bonds of friendship that exist between our two countries,” He added.
Recently President Yoweri Museveni wrote a letter ordering the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to probe UWA over numerous numerous crimes related to corruption, bribery and illicit trade, pointing out the wildlife conservation body boss for specific investigation on a number of things.
The president also accuses UWA officials of collaborating with Chinese diplomats in the Chinese embassy of exporting ivory from DR Congo, CAR and South Sudan.
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