UGANDAN MP SNATCHES EXILE'S WIFE IN UK
London Correspondent
UK ACHOLI COMMUNITY OUTRAGED -By Tony Masaba in London
The Acholi community the UK is outraged after it emerged that a Ugandan
parliamentarian Nobert Mao travelled all the way from Kampala to come and
snatch an exile's wife. Dr Ogenga Otunnu who is a lecturer at the York
University in Canada got married with Naomi Odongo Achieng at the Newham's
registrar office in East London [UK] on 21st August 1998 [UK]. Naomi came to
UK as an asylum seeker claiming to be fleeing persecution from the NRM
government. As a matter of course, all passports of asylum seekers are
retained by the Home Office for the duration required to establish refuge
status. During that time the applicant is not allowed to leave the UK and if
they have to, definitely not the country they claim to be fleeing
persecution. They are issued with a Home Office document which they then
present to the Department of Social Security for entitlement to welfare
benefits.
I have reliably learnt that Naomi Odong Achieng’s Ugandan passport is in the
custody of the Home Office Immigration and Nationality Department [IND] in
Croydon South London. According to a Home Office source, her immigration
appeal hearing hearing is scheduled to take place on November 27th 1998.
Naomi Odong Achieng was seen leaving UK 16/10/98 in the company of Nobert
Mao MP with whom she is reported to be deeply in love. Nobert Mao is a
regular visitor to London and the relationship between the two has been
going on for some time to the annoyance of Nobert Mao’s family.
Nobert Mao was among dozens of VIPs who attended a reception hosted by Prof
George Kirya Uganda's High Commissioner to UK to mark Uganda's National Day
on 9th October which was held at the Carlton Tower in London. At the
reception he was seen and photographed in the company of Naomi.
Mao is one of the most vocal and high profile young MPs in the Ugandas
National Assembly and a leading critic of the NRM government. When I joked
with him that he was more in London than he was in Kampala he responded with
the same sense of humour: He told me he was in UK for the "Winter Sale!"
Last night I called Prof Ogenga Otunnu at his Offices at the York University
Toronto Canada where he is a lecturer. I asked him if thhhhhere was any
rumour in the story that his wife had been snatched. He was reluctant to
speak to me. He however confirmed that it was indeed true Mao had stolen his
wife. He said that it was not news the relationship has been going on for
sometime now. Prof Otunnu was among the main speakers in the recently
concluded conference on "The Question of Democracy and Human Rights in
Uganda" which was hosted by the Wider Consultations on Uganda [WICU] in
London. He was later interviewed by the BBC Focus on Africa.
I have learnt that the couple who got married in London in August this year
have been planning to settle in Canada where Prof Otunnu has a good job and
permanent residency.
One Acholi Acholi elder whom I called last night expressed total anger
towards the Ugandan MP. He accused the MP of having obtained a new Ugandan
passport / document under an assumed identity possibly by submitting false
information to the Uganda High Commission in London. Ugandans travelling to
Uganda with no Ugandan passport only need travel documents which could be
issued by the Ugandan Mission in London.
Due to the length of time it takes UK immigration to establish immigration
status of asylum seekers, some Spurious asylum seekers have reportedly
travelled to and from Uganda with false documents. Ugandans wishing to
return home home are only cannot be refused travel documents by the Uganda
High Commission in London.
When I called Newham Council Registrar of Marriages, it was confirmed that
the above couple were "listed" and displayed on a public list as required by
UK law before they tied the knot on 21st August, 1998. The news of wife
smuggling will be an embarrassing development to the Ugandan
parliamentarian. As a high profile member of the law making body, MPs are
supposed to be role models. More embarrassing will be the revelation that he
colluded with a married woman to make fraudulent declarations to the Ugandan
Mission in the UK in order to obtain a Uganda travel documents.
Another speculation last night was that the MP could have used his position
to acquire Naomi Odong Achieng another Ugandan passport under different
names. Both the MP and Naomi Odong Achieng could end up subjects of Interpol
inquiry. In addition, if proved true, Naomi’s hearing scheduled for next
month could be at jeopardy. Presenting false documents is a serious crime in
the UK which attracts a custodial sentence followed by a mandatory
deportation in her case. Both Nobert Mao MP and Naomi Odongo Achieng left
aboard Alliance Airline Flight No. Y21 and are due to arrive in Uganda at 7
AM Ugandan time 17th October.
The following information is held at the Newham Registrar of Marriages.
Dr Ogenga Otunnu and Ms Naomi Odongo Achieng are legally married under UK
Law. With me here I have a certified copy of the marriage
certificate. Below is a summary of the marriage certificate:
In pursuit to marriage Act 1949. Certificate N0: TF088628
Registration District: Newham
Date: 21st August, 1998
Solemnised at registration office District of Newham in the London
Borough of Newham.
Name: Ogenga Otunnu
Condition: Bachelor
Age:35
Rank/Profession: University professor
Residence at time of marriage: 9 Green Street, Forest Gate, London E7
Fr Name: Yustu ottunnu (deceased)
Rank/profession: International Evangelist
Name: Naume Odongo Achieng
Age:24
Condition: spinster
Rank/profession: politic student
Residence at time of marriage: 9 Green Street, London E7
Fathers name: Odongo Batulumio (diseased)
Rank/Profession: Senior Police officer (Rtd)
Married in the registrars office by licence before, us.
Solemnised between Dr Ogenga Otunnu and Naume Odongo Achieng in the presence
of us
Beatrice Odongo (Naume's sister)
Harriet Odongo(Naume's sister)
Registrar: David Olds
Superintendent registrar: Maureen J Sullivan
Certified to be a true copy of an entry into a registration in my
custody: Maureen J Sullivan
Date: 21 August 1998
______________________________________________________
Eye Witness account:
I know for sure Mama Samali Odongo and uncle in Kitgum gave the go ahead for
the marriage. I also know that Ogenga's mother and family gave the go ahead
for the marriage. It is surprising that Abukha claims that
Ogenga and Naume are relatives. Does Abukha know better than Naume's
mother uncle and family and Ogenga's mother and family?
I have a copy of two email messages which Ogenga sent to Hon Mao asking him
not to cause any misunderstanding by interfering with the marriage. Both
letters were attempts to avoid any misunderstanding between Mao and Ogenga.
They were also attempts to avoid exposing Hon Mao in a public forum. The
emails I am referring to were forwarded to me to explain the situation to
Hon Mao. We agreed with Hon Mao's cousin Lumumba to talk to Hon Mao. I made
an appointment to meet Hon Mao to discuss the matter, I sat with Lumumba
(Mao's cousin) until 1AM at Lumumba's place, unfortunately, he did not turn
up for the appointment. It has been confirmed that Hon Mao's relatives in
the UK, for instance James Anywar, cautioned him against such a behaviour.
In addition, I was at Heathrow airport (16/10/98) with a few others to
see my family off and I understand Hon Mao was travelling to Uganda. I
am afraid to say that Dr Ogenga's wife also checked in for the same
flight. Perhaps, Dr Ogenga and his wife may have occasion to explain to
interested parties where Hon Mao fits into this equation.
I have posted this information without consulting Ogenga Otunnu because all
attempts to reach him in the past two weeks has not been successful.
However, I hope he will not view it unfavourably. I categorically refute any
suggestion that there is a conspiracy of any nature.
[Name with-held on request].
At present this is the only photo I have of MP Mao attending a reception
hosted by the Uganda High Commission in London. I have a better photograph
which I intend to scan to you after processing "1 Hour Developing" tomorrow.
I took these photos when I attended the Uganda Reception in London hosted by
Prof George Kirya incidentally attended by Nobert Mao MP and the woman in
question. I have not obtained permission to use this photo. I don't think I
need permission from anyone. Please use your discretion.
Attached photo shows MP Mao and on his left is the woman caught in the love
triangle - Naomi Odongo Achieng who is seen here next to the MP. In Kanzu is
the Deputy High Commissioner Mr Sozzi. The reception was hosted by Prof
George Kirya to mark Uganda's National Day 9th October. I was surprised that
the MP chose London as the venue to celebrate Uganda's independence.
For verification purposes Prof Otunnu's contacts are as follows:
[Prof. Ogenga Otunnu
322 York Lanes
York University
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, ON. Canada
M3J 1P3
P. (416) 736-2100, Ex. 20559
F. (416) 736-5837]
Tony [Masaba] Bambi
Member of the National Union of Journalists [NUJ] UK
Online London Correspondent
44 Sheerwater Road
Victoria Docks
London E16 3SU
UK
Tel/ Fax: 0171 366 5062 [Home]
Fax: 0171 485 5571 [Office]
Mobile 0958 44 53 15 [24 Hrs]
This e-mail may contain privileged information. If you are not the intended
recipient please destroy it and contact me ASAP. For any Newsy or Press
Release please send to: tba...@globalnet.co.uk or
to...@masaba.freeserve.co.uk Thank you.
xclusive [If it's important to Ugandans we've it covered!]
MP MAO STEALS EXILE'S WIFE;
UK ACHOLI COMMUNITY OUTRAGED
-By Tony Masaba in London 17/10/98
The Acholi community the UK is outraged after it emerged that a Ugandan
parliamentarian Nobert Mao travelled all the way from Kampala to come and
snatch an exile's wife. Dr Ogenga Otunnu who is a lecturer at the York
University in Canada got married with Naomi Odongo Achieng at the Newham's
registrar office in East London [UK] on 21st August 1998 [UK]. Naomi came to
UK as an asylum seeker claiming to be fleeing persecution from the NRM
government. As a matter of course, all passports of asylum seekers are
retained by the Home Office for the duration required to establish refuge
status. During that time the applicant is not allowed to leave the UK and if
they have to, definitely not the country they claim to be fleeing
persecution. They are issued with a Home Office document which they then
present to the Department of Social Security for entitlement to welfare
benefits.
I have reliably learnt that Naomi Odong Achieng’s Ugandan passport is in the
custody of the Home Office Immigration and Nationality Department [IND] in
Croydon South London. According to a Home Office source, her immigration
appeal hearing hearing is scheduled to take place on November 27th 1998.
Naomi Odong Achieng was seen leaving UK 16/10/98 in the company of Nobert
Mao MP with whom she is reported to be deeply in love. Nobert Mao is a
regular visitor to London and the relationship between the two has been
going on for some time to the annoyance of Nobert Mao’s family.
Nobert Mao was among dozens of VIPs who attended a reception hosted by Prof
George Kirya Uganda's High Commissioner to UK to mark Uganda's National Day
on 9th October which was held at the Carlton Tower in London. At the
reception he was seen and photographed in the company of Naomi.
Mao is one of the most vocal and high profile young MPs in the Ugandas
National Assembly and a leading critic of the NRM government. When I joked
with him that he was more in London than he was in Kampala he responded with
the same sense of humour: He told me he was in UK for the "Winter Sale!"
Last night I called Prof Ogenga Otunnu at his Offices at the York University
Toronto Canada where he is a lecturer. I asked him if thhhhhere was any
rumour in the story that his wife had been snatched. He was reluctant to
speak to me. He however confirmed that it was indeed true Mao had stolen his
wife. He said that it was not news the relationship has been going on for
sometime now. Prof Otunnu was among the main speakers in the recently
concluded conference on "The Question of Democracy and Human Rights in
Uganda" which was hosted by the Wider Consultations on Uganda [WICU] in
London. He was later interviewed by the BBC Focus on Africa.
I have learnt that the couple who got married in London in August this year
have been planning to settle in Canada where Prof Otunnu has a good job and
permanent residency.
One Acholi Acholi elder whom I called last night expressed total anger
towards the Ugandan MP. He accused the MP of having obtained a new Ugandan
passport / document under an assumed identity possibly by submitting false
information to the Uganda High Commission in London. Ugandans travelling to
Uganda with no Ugandan passport only need travel documents which could be
issued by the Ugandan Mission in London.
Due to the length of time it takes UK immigration to establish immigration
status of asylum seekers, some Spurious asylum seekers have reportedly
travelled to and from Uganda with false documents. Ugandans wishing to
return home cannot be refused travel documents by the Uganda High Commission
in London.
When I called Newham Council Registrar of Marriages, it was confirmed that
the above couple were "listed" and displayed on a public list as required by
UK law before they tied the knot on 21st August, 1998. The news of wife
smuggling will be an embarrassing development to the Ugandan
parliamentarian. As a high profile member of the law making body, MPs are
supposed to be role models. More embarrassing will be the revelation that he
colluded with a married woman to make fraudulent declarations to the Ugandan
Mission in the UK in order to obtain a Uganda travel documents.
Another speculation last night was that the MP could have used his position
to acquire Naomi Odong Achieng another Ugandan passport under different
names. Both the MP and Naomi Odong Achieng could end up subjects of Interpol
inquiry. In addition, if proved true, Naomi’s hearing scheduled for next
month could be at jeopardy. Presenting false documents is a serious crime in
the UK which attracts a custodial sentence followed by a mandatory
deportation in her case. Both Nobert Mao MP and Naomi Odongo Achieng left
aboard Alliance Airline Flight No. Y21 and are due to arrive in Uganda at 7
AM Ugandan time 17th October.
The following information is held at the Newham Registrar of Marriages.
Dr Ogenga Otunnu and Ms Naomi Odongo Achieng are legally married under UK
Law. With me here I have a certified copy of the marriage
certificate. Below is a summary of the marriage certificate:
In pursuit to marriage Act 1949. Certificate N0: TF088628
Registration District: Newham
Date: 21st August, 1998
Solemnised at registration office District of Newham in the London
Borough of Newham.
Name: Ogenga Otunnu
Condition: Bachelor
Age:35
Rank/Profession: University professor
Residence at time of marriage: 9 Green Street, Forest Gate, London E7
Fr Name: Yustu ottunnu (deceased)
Rank/profession: International Evangelist
Name: Naume Odongo Achieng
Age:24
Condition: spinster
Rank/profession: politic student
Residence at time of marriage: 9 Green Street, London E7
Fathers name: Odongo Batulumio (diseased)
Rank/Profession: Senior Police officer (Rtd)
Married in the registrars office by licence before, us.
Solemnised between Dr Ogenga Otunnu and Naume Odongo Achieng in the presence
of us
Beatrice Odongo (Naume's sister)
Harriet Odongo(Naume's sister)
Registrar: David Olds
Superintendent registrar: Maureen J Sullivan
Certified to be a true copy of an entry into a registration in my
custody: Maureen J Sullivan
Date: 21 August 1998
______________________________________________________
Eye Witness account:
I know for sure Mama Samali Odongo and uncle in Kitgum gave the go ahead for
the marriage. I also know that Ogenga's mother and family gave the go ahead
for the marriage. It is surprising that Abukha claims that
Ogenga and Naume are relatives. Does Abukha know better than Naume's
mother uncle and family and Ogenga's mother and family?
I have a copy of two email messages which Ogenga sent to Hon Mao asking him
not to cause any misunderstanding by interfering with the marriage. Both
letters were attempts to avoid any misunderstanding between Mao and Ogenga.
They were also attempts to avoid exposing Hon Mao in a public forum. The
emails I am referring to were forwarded to me to explain the situation to
Hon Mao. We agreed with Hon Mao's cousin Lumumba to talk to Hon Mao. I made
an appointment to meet Hon Mao to discuss the matter, I sat with Lumumba
(Mao's cousin) until 1AM at Lumumba's place, unfortunately, he did not turn
up for the appointment. It has been confirmed that Hon Mao's relatives in
the UK, for instance James Anywar, cautioned him against such a behaviour.
In addition, I was at Heathrow airport (16/10/98) with a few others to
see my family off and I understand Hon Mao was travelling to Uganda. I
am afraid to say that Dr Ogenga's wife also checked in for the same
flight. Perhaps, Dr Ogenga and his wife may have occasion to explain to
interested parties where Hon Mao fits into this equation.
I have posted this information without consulting Ogenga Otunnu because all
attempts to reach him in the past two weeks has not been successful.
However, I hope he will not view it unfavourably. I categorically refute any
suggestion that there is a conspiracy of any nature.
[Name with-held on request].
At present this is the only photo I have of MP Mao attending a reception
hosted by the Uganda High Commission in London. I have a better photograph
which I intend to scan to you after processing "1 Hour Developing" tomorrow.
I took these photos when I attended the Uganda Reception in London hosted by
Prof George Kirya incidentally attended by Nobert Mao MP and the woman in
question. I have not obtained permission to use this photo. I don't think I
need permission from anyone. Please use your discretion.
Attached photo shows MP Mao and on his left is the woman caught in the love
triangle - Naomi Odongo Achieng who is seen here next to the MP. In Kanzu is
the Deputy High Commissioner Mr Sozzi. The reception was hosted by Prof
George Kirya to mark Uganda's National Day 9th October. I was surprised that
the MP chose London as the venue to celebrate Uganda's independence.
For verification purposes Prof Otunnu's contacts are as follows:
[Contacts witheld by Editor]
Tony [Masaba] Bambi
Member of the National Union of Journalists [NUJ] UK
Online London Correspondent
44 Sheerwater Road
Victoria Docks
London E16 3SU
UK
Tel/ Fax: 0171 366 5062 [Home]
Fax: 0171 485 5571 [Office]
Mobile 0958 44 53 15 [24 Hrs]
This e-mail may contain privileged information. If you are not the intended
recipient please destroy it and contact me ASAP. For any Newsy or Press
Release please send to: tba...@globalnet.co.uk or
to...@masaba.freeserve.co.uk Thank you.