A Rwanda-Uganda border at Kagitumba. Simmering tensions are beginning to
affect movement of people between the two neighbours. PHOTO | NMG
Tensions between Rwanda and Uganda have escalated over the arrest of citizens across their common border.
Ugandan traders have protested the arrest of a Ugandan money changer by Rwandan authorities.
The mayor of Katuna Nelson Baba Nshangabasheija said that the Ugandan, Justus Tweyongyere was “detained” after he deposited money at a bank in Gatuna.
The mayor of Katuna Nelson Baba Nshangabasheija said that the Ugandan, Justus Tweyongyere was “detained” after he deposited money at a bank in Gatuna.
“It has been three days and the Rwandan
authorities are not providing information on his whereabouts. All they
are saying is that he is in safe hands but they don’t say where, when he
will be released or what he is accused of. Even his relatives went
there and they were not allowed to see him,” Mr Nshangabasheija told The EastAfrican.
He
said this was the second time that Mr Tweyongyere has been arrested in
Rwanda. He was previously arrested on November 20, but later released
after questioning.
Arrests
The
spokesperson of Rwanda National Police, ACP Theos Badege said the
Ugandan businessman and a Rwandan partner were arrested for conducting
illegal money-related activities inside Rwanda and will be charged.
“A
Ugandan money changer and a Rwandan were arrested on December 16 on
charges of illegal exchange of money and forgery. They will be
prosecuted,” said ACP Badege, adding that the Ugandan High Commission in
Kigali was informed of the case.
Kigali has formally
written to Kampala, calling for investigations into what it calls
continued targeted arrests of Rwandan citizens in Uganda.
Rwanda’s
High Commissioner to Uganda Maj Gen Frank Mugambage said Kigali has
formally communicated to Kampala seeking an explanation on the ongoing
arrests and reports of “Rwanda’s enemies” operating on Uganda’s soil.
“We
have formally written and verbally communicated our concerns and sought
explanations to that end. We are waiting for answers,” Gen Mugambage
told the media in Kigali.
Issues of concern
According to information obtained by The EastAfrican,
Rwanda wants Uganda to explain the ongoing arrests targeting Rwandans
inside Uganda, some of whom are being held incommunicado. A formal
inquiry was issued to Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December
12.
While Rwanda’s envoy to Uganda maintained that
these are formal diplomatic procedures countries conduct to normalise
relations, he said that there are issues of concern between the two
countries which require explanation including Uganda accommodating
fugitives wanted by Rwanda.
Kigali maintains that
Uganda is offering a safe haven for members of Rwanda National Congress,
an opposition organisation led by Lt Gen Kayumba Nyamwasa, to operate
and conduct subversive activities targeting Rwanda.
“The
Republic of Rwanda wishes to call the highest attention by Ugandan
authorities, and request remedy without delay to the following; Multiple
unjustified arrests, failure to notify the diplomatic representation of
Rwanda in Uganda and mistreatment of Rwandan citizens in Uganda in the
last several months,” the diplomatic note seen by The EastAfrican reads in part.
Unjustifiable reasons
Kigali
says that several Rwandan citizens have been arrested in Uganda without
any justifiable reasons. They include Rene Rutagungira, who was
arrested in October and is facing espionage charges. Uganda says
Rutangugira colluded with Ugandan police officers to kidnap Rwandan
refugees in Uganda, who are illegally deported to Rwanda.
Others
are Fidele Gatsinzi, who had reportedly travelled to visit family but
was released last weeks and James Bayingana, Byaruhanga Nduwamungu and
several others. Most of the detained individuals are yet to be arraigned
in court.
Rwanda says that it has reliable
information that RNC operatives are actively recruiting members inside
Uganda and transporting them to military training camps with the intent
of attacking Rwanda.
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