Rwanda explains Uganda border closure

 

 

Richard Sezibera, the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation minister on Fridaydenied media reports that they had closed the borders with Uganda. 

 

"As explained to many journalists, all Rwanda's borders are open. Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to use Kagitumba due to ongoing construction at Gatuna. Rwandans are strongly advised not to travel to Uganda due to ongoing arrests, harassment, torture," Sezibera tweeted.

 

He also noted that many Rwandese nationals had been incarcerated without consular access and were being deported. He noted that on the contrary, Ugandans who were travelling through Rwanda were safe.

 

In an interview with The New Times of Rwanda, Sezibera said the government advised Rwandans not to travel to Uganda because, "We cannot guarantee their security in Uganda,"

 

He was quoted saying that the issue of security of Rwandans in Uganda has been longstanding and "so we are strongly advising those who do not have necessary business in Uganda not to (go there) until we can sort out this problem."

 

He added: "We've seen incidents in the past, even yesterday we were seeing people being arrested in Kisoro, in Mbarara (in southwest and western Uganda, respectively), and we don't understand what's happening."

 

Sezibira said any sensible government would advise its citizens to be prudent about travelling  to Uganda.

 

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem on Saturday told Sunday Vision that because of the intricate and close relationship that Rwanda shares with Uganda, they had started engaging one another.

 

"As I speak right now, the two ministers, Sam Kutesa and Sezibera are now engaging each other and this matter will be resolved soon," Oryem noted.