Diplomatic Tensions Rise as DRC Threatens to Deport Ugandan Ambassador

KINSHASA —A diplomatic row has erupted between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over unpaid tax arrears amounting to $443,000 (about Shs1.6 billion) for a Ugandan-owned commercial property in Kinshasa.

The dispute took a dramatic turn after a top Congolese diplomat, Ambassador Bernard Mutanda, director of Protocol at the DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, threatened to declare Ugandan Ambassador Farid Kaliisa persona non grata.

According to a diplomatic note seen by this publication, Mutanda advised Kaliisa to refrain from traveling to the DRC, warning that his visa could be canceled or he risks being declared persona non grata.

The note, dated September 27, was delivered to Uganda’s deputy ambassador in the DRC, Twaha Matata.

The tensions stem from Uganda’s insistence that taxes and land rent arrears for the property, known as Uganda House, be reduced and paid directly to the DRC’s top revenue agency, rather than individual accounts.

Located on 17 Avenue Tombalbaye in Kinshasa, Uganda House was built during Idi Amin’s regime in the 1970s and later converted into a commercial building.

Kinshasa authorities allege that Uganda has been collecting taxes from tenants for over 10 years without remitting them to the city.

While Uganda has admitted some responsibility, disagreements over the exact amount owed have persisted.

Following negotiations, it was agreed that Uganda would pay arrears covering four years, from 2019 to 2023.

However, the Anti-Fraud Brigade (AFB) provided Ugandan diplomats with the bank account of their lawyer for the payment, which Uganda rejected, citing diplomatic protocols that prevent payments to individual accounts.

Ugandan diplomats instead engaged the DRC’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which allowed the funds to be deposited in the ministry’s account, from where Kinshasa authorities would be paid.

Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, confirmed that the government had allocated $443,000 for the tax arrears in the current financial year.

Ambassador Kaliisa questioned the amount to be paid and engaged the Congolese revenue authorities to negotiate the terms.

On August 28, he wrote to the Director General of the General Directorate of Taxes (DGRK) in the DRC, seeking to renegotiate the payment amount.

Kaliisa proposed that the DGRK take over the matter to expedite resolution and avoid further delays.

However, his deputy, Twaha Matata, reportedly disagreed, insisting the payment should go through the DRC Foreign Affairs Ministry, following instructions from Kampala.

A week later, the Anti-Fraud Brigade issued a notice threatening to seize Uganda House if arrears were not paid directly to them.

Kaliisa halted the payment to the DRC Foreign Affairs ministry’s accounts, insisting that the national revenue agency was the appropriate recipient.

On September 25, Uganda made a partial payment of $45,000 to the DGRK as negotiations with Congolese tax officials continued.

Kaliisa confirmed the payment, stating that it would pave the way for further negotiations with the Congolese authorities and ultimately save Ugandan taxpayers’ money.

Two days later, Mutanda summoned Matata and delivered a protest note accusing Kaliisa of engaging with DRC officials without following proper diplomatic channels and of being in the DRC without proper accreditation.

Although Kaliisa was appointed by President Museveni two years ago, his accreditation as Uganda’s ambassador to the DRC is still pending.

Kaliisa cited the Vienna Convention, which allows a head of mission to exercise functions provisionally, pending formal accreditation.

He added that the issue of his accreditation was discussed during a recent meeting between President Museveni and the DRC minister of Foreign Affairs, who assured him that it would be resolved soon.

Mutanda’s diplomatic note also highlighted the outstanding payments owed to the Anti-Fraud Brigade, urging that these be settled promptly to avoid further scrutiny of the mission’s financial records.

Matata reportedly assured him that payment would be finalized by October.

Efforts to obtain a comment from Bagiire were unsuccessful.