Rwanda, Uganda root for justice reforms

By George Kalisa

Uganda’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Richard Kabonero, has said that Rwanda and Uganda long for reforms in international justice.

The envoy said that the two countries blame non-state actors for doing less or nothing when African is facing unfair treatment from the international community.

The envoy expressed Uganda’s solidarity to stand with Kenya in the fight against terrorists, adding that al Shabaab will not succeed but their rattacks on Uganda and recently in Kenya only strengthen the region’s resolve to fight them.

“On the International scene Uganda and Rwanda share a desire to see reforms in the international justice system. We remain concerned with the unaccountability of non-state actors in dealing with Africa,” He said.

Kabonero said, “Al Shabaab attacked Uganda in 2010 and has attacked Kenya; we stand with our Kenyan brothers and the terrorist acts only strengthen our resolve to take the war to them; Uganda remains committed and steadfast in fighting terrorism in our region.  We strongly condemn the activities of terrorist groups and will be a strong partner with our neighbors in this endeavor.”

Kabonero was on Wednesday speaking to a huge crowd of Ugandans working and living in Rwanda, their Rwandan friends and diplomats during the 51st independence celebrations hosted at his residence in Kigali.

The envoy said the bilateral ties, traced to a shared history, between Rwanda and Uganda have helped them to search for peace in the region.

“Our bilateral ties are strong and enduring.  Anchored by a shared history, our two countries continue to strengthen this cooperation from year to year.  Since last year, we have made strides in search for peace in DRC, Darfur and Somalia,” Kabonero said.
 
“Uganda and Rwanda peace keepers have been at the forefront of protecting in these vulnerable   countries as well as working to improve the lives of people affected by conflict,” Kabonero said.
 
Rwanda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Louise Mushikiwabo in her speech read by Mary Baine commended Uganda’s development focus that has improved livelihoods in Uganda and in the region. She said excellent relation existed between the two countries.
 
“I commend the consistent development focus deployed by your government since independence in order to strengthen not only the political dispensation in your motherland, but also the objectives of improving living standards and sustainable development of not only Ugandans but the wider Great Lakes Region,” Mushikiwabo said.
 
“I salute the excellent relations that exist between the Republic of Uganda and the Republic of Rwanda both on bilateral and multilateral levels. Our strong partnerships indeed; have existed for a longtime, and have matured into a commendable level of excellence, based on mutual understanding and mutual respect between our sister countries,” she added. .