Rwanda detains Ugandan, Kabale residents protest

Protestors block the road. Photos by Job Namanya

Business at Katuna border on Thursday came to a standstill for over three hours following a peaceful demonstration by residents.

The residents who were led by Nelson Nshangabasheija, the Katuna town council chairperson were protesting the detention of Justus Tweyongyeire, a 50-year-old businessman by the Rwandan government.

According to Christian Mpirirwe, Tweyongyeire's wife, her husband was arrested on Saturday when he was returning from Kigali, Rwanda on a business trip.

"He was detained at the Rwandan border side. We were informed about the arrest and since then we have not known the cause of the arrest," said Mpirirwe.

Tweyongyeire has been in the money exchange business for over 30 years.  The Saturday arrest came after just a month after he had been detained in Kigali over unclear circumstances.

The border was closed

Nshangabasheija condemned the manner in which Tweyongyeire was arrested.

"We demand an explanation from the Rwandan government why our colleague is detained. If he has a case to answer we should be told about it otherwise we are fed up of such acts," said Nshangabasheija.

During the demonstration that started at 9:00am, residents carried placards with messages condemning the arrest and moved around the border. They later blocked the road with poles and stones.

Protestors also blocked the movement of vehicles and people from Rwanda to Uganda.

Nshangabasheija added that it is a bad practice for the government of Rwanda to arrest Ugandans with no justifiable cause and it is against the expectations of the East African Community.

"With the East African Community in place, we expect people to move freely and that is what we have been exercising in Uganda but our counterparts are doing the opposite. We would love authorities there to at least respect this protocol by availing free movement," added Nshangabasheija.

According to residents Tweyongyeire is not the only one who has had challenges in conducting business in Rwanda.  Three years ago, two businessmen, Everest Akandinda and Dickson Tinyinondi were murdered in Rwanda and since then there has never been an investigation into their death.

Vehicles blocked from crossing

Osbert Tumuramye, another resident narrated how he was made to kneel for three hours at the Gatuna border while he was coming from Kigali.

"I had all the necessary documents, but surprisingly I was forced to kneel for no cause. I have relatives in Rwanda who I usually visit, but the rate at which we are being mistreated there, I may not to visit there again," said Tumuramye.

David Ahimbisibwe a cross-border trader said that if unexplained arrests continue, the relationship between Ugandan and Rwandan traders may get worse.

Gift Akampurira, Tweyongyeire's daughter explained that life has become a serious hustle since their dad was arrested.

"We find it hard to get food at home and concentrate on our daily activities because we are always worried about the future of our dad," said Akampurira.

 Godfrey Tusingwire, one of Tweyongyeire's friends said that he got concerned by the arrest and went to Kigali to check on his friend, but he was shocked to find him handcuffed in custody.

"We went there on Monday and found him detained at Kyemihururwa Police station in Kigali.  We were not told why he was arrested, but he looked miserable," said Tusingwire.

After over three hours of the protest, the Police led by the Katuna border Police Officer in Charge, Zadoki Kajera intervened asking residents to clear the road for vehicles and people to pass.

The Kigezi regional Police commander, Dennis Namuwoza said that they are aware of Tweyongyeire's arrest in Rwanda and they are going to engage authorities there to get an amicable solution to the case.

Namuwoza condemned the manner in which residents protested by closing the road.

"It is unfortunate that residents closed the border during the strike. We are aware of their colleague's arrest and we are sure of his safety. We shall engage authorities in Rwanda to have a solution to this problem," said Namuwoza.

Namuwoza called on residents to be calm as authorities seek a solution.

"There is need for harmony at the border because one incident should not kill the peaceful co-existence we had. We shall have this solved as soon as we can," added Namuwoza.