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Uganda (British Subjects)

Volume 729: debated on Wednesday 25 May 1966

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(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Common. wealth Relations what steps have been taken to safeguard the lives and property of British subjects in Uganda, and if he will make a statement.

The House will know of the tragic incident on Monday in which two young British surveyors lost their lives and will wish to join me in expressing the deepest sympathy to their relatives. This incident took place in an isolated area of Buganda, and as far as I can ascertain on the basis of reports so far received, there is no reason to think that it indicates a general threat to the British Community.

The British High Commissioner in Kampala is in touch with the Uganda Government authorities, both about this incident and about the safety of British citizens generally. The High Commissioner has been contacting members of the British community in the disturbed area and advising them to avoid unnecessary travel. There appears to be no immediate danger in areas outside Buganda.

I thank the Secretary of State for that information and associate the Opposition with the expression of sympathy to the relatives of the young men who were killed. Will the right hon. Gentleman keep a very careful eye on the situation to see whether there is anything at any time that Her Majesty's Government can possibly do to help in this tragic development?

I associate those of us on this bench with the sympathy expressed by the right hon. Gentleman. Are communications still existing directly between the High Commissioner in Kampala and Her Majesty's Government in London?

Can my right hon. Friend say, roughly, how many British subjects there are in Uganda?