Leadership at the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in Uganda is reportedly in turmoil following revelations that three German nationals were working illegally at the foundation’s Uganda-South Sudan office. This incident has prompted internal and external scrutiny, putting key officials under pressure, including Country Representative Anna Reismann and Programme Manager Bernard Mukhone.
Sources familiar with the matter say KAS headquarters in Germany is deeply displeased with how the situation was handled, and there are strong indications that Reismann may have already been recalled. The crisis stems from the arrest of three German nationals last month by Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC). The individuals, whose names have been withheld, were found to be working without the required permits, raising alarms about compliance at the international NGO.
The trio reportedly entered Uganda on tourist and student visas, neither of which permit employment in the country. Despite their claims of being unpaid interns, investigations revealed they were receiving salaries off the books and were not adhering to local tax regulations, particularly Uganda’s “Pay as You Earn” tax scheme.
Immigration officials have since fined the three individuals $650 each and ordered them to leave the country. The scandal has further implicated KAS in a broader pattern of misconduct. Anonymous sources allege that the organization has routinely brought in European nationals under non-work visas, enrolling them in local institutions for short courses, only to employ them illegally at its offices in Kampala.
Beyond immigration violations, there are reports of growing discontent among Ugandan staff, who claim they are underpaid compared to their European colleagues. This disparity has reportedly created tension within the organization, with local workers expressing frustration over what they see as preferential treatment for foreign employees, who allegedly enjoy significantly higher salaries and benefits.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Directorate of Immigration, confirmed that raids were conducted at KAS, but emphasized that such operations are part of routine efforts to ensure employers across the country comply with immigration laws. “This was not an isolated case; we carry out similar operations regularly to ensure that foreign nationals working in Uganda do so within the law,” he said.
The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, which maintains strong ties to Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is internationally recognized for its work in fostering democratic governance, civic education, and media development. However, this immigration scandal now casts a shadow over its operations in Uganda, raising questions about its internal management and commitment to legal compliance.
As investigations continue, KAS may face further consequences, both in terms of leadership changes and potential reputational damage. For now, all eyes are on the foundation’s response as it navigates this unfolding crisis.
