By Eddie Ssejjoba                     

Ugandans living in Rwanda have contributed sh12m towards the Agaciro Development Association, a Rwandan national development fund initiative.

During celebrations to mark Uganda’s Independence golden jubilee at the Amahoro Stadium on Sunday, the Association of Ugandans living in Rwanda contributed cash and pledges to show their appreciation for the protection and peace that the government has accorded them.

The Agaciro Development Fund is a solidarity fund initiated by Rwandans to improve the level of financial autonomy of the country and is financed by Rwandans and friends.

The Association chairman, Hajji Issa Boogere, said Ugandans in Rwanda were happy and commended the Rwandan President Paul Kagame for giving them protection that had enabled them do business and other ventures without any hindrance.

He said they contributed money as one of the gestures that they would stand together to contribute in any form, to the development of the Rwandan economy.

The Rwandan local government minister, James Musoni, said his Government recognises the role and contributions Ugandans are making towards national development.

Uganda’s ambassador to Rwanda, Richard Kabonero, hailed the Association for bringing together Ugandans engaged in different activities in Rwanda and for being law abiding.

“Government appreciates your contribution through the remittances you make to your relatives home and treats your welfare as a priority,” he said. He vowed to continue working with them to enhance unity.

The mayor of Kigali city, Fidel Ndayisaba and the Kabaka’s young brother, Prince David Wasajja, attended the celebrations.