Abuja, Nigeria – Uganda’s High Commission in Nigeria’s capital was thrown into disarray on Friday morning, May 8, 2026, as heated arguments erupted among diplomats and local staff, prompting the intervention of Nigerian police officers.
Videos and images circulating on social media and seen by Trending UG show a tense standoff inside the mission, with raised voices, finger-pointing, and bewildered Nigerian law enforcement officers attempting to restore order. The incident highlights deeper troubles at one of Uganda’s key diplomatic outposts in West Africa.
According to eyewitness accounts and footage, the confrontation centered on Mr. Eriya Tusubira, the Accounting Officer at the High Commission, and local Nigerian staff. A female Nigerian staff member was heard shouting at Tusubira: “How did you become an ambassador? Go home and they promote you.” She repeatedly questioned his authority and accused him of calling the police.
Tusubira defended his actions, stating he summoned police due to “threatened violence.” The staff member shot back, asking who exactly was threatening whom and suggesting Tusubira himself was the aggressor. Acting Ambassador Phillip Odida was also present during the exchanges.
Staff Protests Over Unpaid Salaries
Sources indicate the chaos stemmed from a protest by local Nigerian staff, who have reportedly gone for months without pay despite funds being available in the mission’s accounts. Instead of addressing the grievances directly, police were called in — allegedly without the full knowledge of Acting Ambassador Odida — escalating the situation further.
The High Commission, which oversees Uganda’s diplomatic relations with the 15 member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Equatorial Guinea, has been plagued by persistent internal conflicts, unpaid wages for its approximately 17 Nigerian support staff, and stalled projects.
A History of Turmoil at the Mission
This latest incident is not isolated. The mission was previously led by Ambassador Nelson Ocheger, who was recalled to Kampala in November 2024 alongside other diplomats amid allegations of money laundering and corruption related to the construction of a new Shs19.7 billion chancery building in Maitama. Although Ocheger and implicated staff were later cleared, he declined to return, citing unwillingness to work with “corrupt individuals.”
Ambassador Odida, a retired diplomat who previously served as Deputy Ambassador in New York, was brought in on a contract to stabilize operations. However, diplomatic sources describe his authority as limited, contributing to ongoing “turf wars,” particularly involving Mr. Tusubira, who is perceived as influential within the mission.
Previous issues include a rent dispute with a Nigerian real estate firm over arrears totaling Shs20.9 million and questions raised by Tusubira himself about Odida’s authority as Head of Mission. The chancery construction project remains halted at about 90% completion.
Reactions and Implications
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala has yet to issue an official statement on Friday’s events. The public display of discord at a Ugandan diplomatic mission abroad raises concerns about administrative oversight, staff welfare, and the image of Uganda’s foreign service.
As Uganda seeks to strengthen ties across Africa, incidents like this underscore the urgent need for decisive leadership and reforms to restore professionalism and efficiency in its diplomatic missions.
TrendingUG will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information emerges from Kampala and Abuja.