As tension escalates between Kampala and Kigali, Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sam Kutesa has said Uganda will continue to emphasise protection and security of its citizens and refugees alike – citing the high profile assassinations that rocked the nation recently.
n Tuesday, Hon. Kutesa in the first official statement since last week’s close the border at Katuna to trucks, o rubbished claims by Rwanda that Kampala is hosting elements hostile to Kigali and the arrest and torture their citizens as alleged.
Uganda is reeling from a string of unexplained assassinations; the list of prominent targets has been growing. The death of Ibrahim Abiriga, the Arua Municipality MP, celebrated crime buster Mohammed Kirumira and astute judge Joan Kagezi murdered in cold blood have so far claimed the longest trail of subsequent killings, according to the statement released by Kutesa today.
He also said it is unfortunate that movement of goods and people across the common border with Rwanda has been restricted.
Earlier in the day, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Richard Sezibera has said the rise in tension at the border is the climax of two years of fruitless discussions with Uganda over issues that concern Kigali.
Last week’s change in procedures of entry, and the diversion means hundreds of Ugandan trucks are stuck at Gatuna/Katuna for the past four days for failing to get clearance to enter Rwanda or inability to turn around and head to Kagitumba.
FULL STATEMENT
