Deadline in Uganda

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33066, 6 November 1972, Page 16

Deadline in Uganda

As November 8 approaches, anxiety must be felt by all those Asians who still have friends and relatives left in Uganda, for that is the latest deadline set by the fickle President Amin for the departure of those who, though not compelled to do so, decide to leave the country. Spokesmen for the United Kingdom Government and for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees have expressed confidence that arrangements for the evacuation of these residents are adequate and that the deadline can be met Virtually all the 26,500 Asians not holding Ugandan citizenship had left Uganda by the end of October, but the intentions of many Asians holding Ugandan citizenship were not known. Most of them must have grave doubts about the security of their property, not to mention their personal safety, if they decide to remain in Uganda. The expulsion has apparently not created as much hardship as had earlier been feared. About 20,000 of the migrants who have arrived in Britain are believed to have elected to stay there, though some may yet decide to go to Canada, the United States, the Netherlands. Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, or New Zealand. Offers of immigration Quotas from these countries totalled more than 7000. Other Asians from Uganda went straight to India or Pakistan. Most of those expelled held British passports, and Britain has accepted its obligation towards its subjects. Schemes are now being discussed for loans to those recently arrived in Britain, particularly those with professional qualifications or business experience. The treatment of the Asians who have elected to stay in Uganda will be watched critically by other countries. Isolated reports of physical violence by General Amin’s unruly troops cannot be discredited: the President apparently lacks the will or the ability to control them. Even if no further repressive measures are instituted, and the remaining Asians are left in peace, the effects of the exodus of thousands of the country’s most highly skilled professional people and most industrious traders are likely to be felt for many years. Hospitals, schools, and law courts are likely to remain understaffed, and gaps in the country’s administration and business cannot be remedied overnight. Whatever hardships have been imposed on those who have been expelled, the main losers will be the non-Asian residents of Uganda.