Entebbe Seizure Sparks Diplomatic Ripples
On a busy Friday morning, Ugandan security agents halted two Germans and a Ugandan at Entebbe International Airport, confiscating boxes of files linked to late SPLM leader Dr. John Garang.
Police spokesman Patrick Onyango explained that the travellers lacked export clearance for what authorities deem “sensitive national heritage,” triggering an immediate investigation spanning Kampala, Juba, and Berlin.
Historical Value of the Papers
Scholars consider Garang’s letters, field notes and peace-talk drafts vital for reconstructing East Africa’s recent history, especially the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that later enabled South Sudan’s independence.
“These are primary sources that could reshape interpretations of the CPA,” remarked Makerere University historian Dr. Jane Namusoke, urging careful preservation over “hasty commercial exchange.”
Security and Legal Dimensions
Under Uganda’s Anti-Smuggling Act and 2020 National Archives regulations, exporting classified or culturally significant documents without government consent can attract fines and custodial sentences.
Onyango confirmed that the trio is being interviewed, adding that Interpol has been notified to ascertain possible wider networks trafficking African archival material.
Regional Archival Cooperation
The episode reopened longstanding calls for an East African protocol on shared historical collections. South Sudan’s Culture Minister Reath Malual told journalists his office would “work closely with Uganda to guarantee respectful custody.”
Analysts say such a framework could mirror UNESCO conventions, balancing academic access with protection against political misuse.
What Happens Next
Authorities have not decided whether the seized papers will be repatriated to Juba, stored in Kampala, or digitised for bilateral stewardship. A joint committee is expected to present recommendations within weeks.
For many South Sudanese, Garang remains a unifying symbol; safeguarding his legacy, observers suggest, may also strengthen regional trust at a delicate geopolitical moment.