Uganda Guards Against Mau Mau Infiltration

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27734, 11 August 1955, Page 6

Uganda Guards Against Mau Mau Infiltration

(From a Reuter Correspondent)

KAMPALA. Uganda is preparing to bring into force legislation designed to eliminate, and to guard against, the influence of the Mau Mau organisation which has brought a long campaign of terrorism to the neighbouring territory of Kenya. The latest step is the passing of an ordinance whicn prohibits any member of the Kikuyu, Embu or Meru tribes from remaining in, or entering, Uganda unless specifically permitted. The deadline under this ordinance is August 5, and any member of the three tribes who has not left Uganda by that date and who has not secured exemption from that order to leave, will then be detained and deported to Kenya under supervision. Because of the relatively small numbers of members of the Kikuyu tribe living in Uganda—there are about 3000 men, women and children—the Uganda Government originally hoped that the Mau Mau organisation would not spread to the Protectorate. Most of the Kikuyus in Uganda were either small businessmen, vegetable growers, hotel servants or mechanics. Many of them have lived in Uganda for many years, since there was not, until the emergency began in Kenya, any restriction on their movement. The first step, taken to prevent undesirables from entering the country, was a requirement that Kikuyus must seek permission before entering Uganda. This, however, had little effect, and the Uganda police soon began to find evidence of Mau Mau meetings, and oath takings, in Uganda. Then, early in 1954, a system of registration for all adult Kikuyus in Uganda was introduced, along with a compulsory screening and provision for the deportation of any found to have taken the Mau Mau oath. This resulted in more than 200 members of the tribe being deported in 1954. Earlier this year, however, it was found that these measures had not succeeded in suppressing the cult of Mau Mau in Uganda. Fresh evidence was found of oath takings, and at least one murder in Uganda was discovered to be a Mau Mau crime. It was also clear that increasing pressure from the security forces in

Kenya was driving many hard-core gangsters to seek safety in Uganda. They were in many cases living with other members of the tribe in Uganda, whom they had forced to give them shelter and assistance. Because of this, a decision was taken to expel the entire tribe from Uganda. For the first time, the measures were extended to the Embu and Meru tribes, which have also been involved in the Mau Mau organisation. Only comparatively small numbers of these tribes, however, are known to be in Uganda. When the latest legislation was introduced, the Uganda Government made it* clear that exemption from its provisions would only be given in exceptional cases. Assurances have, however, been given that Kikuyu, Embu or Meru students at a college in Kampala, East Africa’s University College, will be allowed to continue their studies if nothing incriminating is known against them. All these students, it is explained, were closely screened and investigated before being allowed to leave Kenya to take up residence at the college. Strong warnings have now been issued by Uganda authorities that all members of the Kikuyu, Embu or Meru tribes now in the country should make arrangements to leave before August 5. Even if they are applying for exemption, they should make the necessary arrangements to cover them if their applications are rejected. Anyone remaining in Uganda without the necessary permit will be arrested when the new provisions come into force. Those wishing to leave for their homes in Kenya before this date, however, will be allowed to travel by road and rail free of charge. Arrangements for their travel will he made by the Uganda police, and they will be provided with the necessary documents for their journey through Kenya to their homes, where arrangements fpr their reception will also be made.

So far, comparatively few of the people concerned have made arrangements to leave. The Uganda authorities are making a special effort to convince the others that it is wise for them to do likewise.