BY HELLEN MUKIIBI
Kampala authorities have handed Rwandese Maj. Mike Mupende to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for relocation to a third country.
Military sources confirmed that Mupende, who fled Rwanda in 2001 citing political persecution, was to fly out of Uganda last night with his family to the United States under the auspices of UNHCR.
Army spokesman Maj. Shaban Bantariza last evening said, “our counterparts in Rwanda are aware of the relocation process of these guys to another country. These people are not supposed to be here, they are not wanted here, the Prime Minister’s office has the task of identifying them and work with
the UNHCR.” He added that the UN and US government were footing the travel bill of the Mupende family.
Bantariza asserted, “we have maintained our bargain of the deal. in return, Rwanda should also reciprocate and make a move on Kyakabale, Mande, Muzoora.”
Colonels Samson Mande and Anthony Kyakabale have been accused of forming the renegade People’s Redemption Army to wage war against the Movement government.
Maj. Mupende is the second most prominent dissident that has been relocated to US from Uganda.
In October 2002, Uganda handed to UNHCR Maj. Frank Bizimungu, who has since relocated to the US under the same arrangement.
Kigali authorities had in the recent years accused Uganda of aiding groups and individuals who are anti-government.
Rwanda cited the cases of Mupende and Maj. Alphonse Furuma a former Rwandese national political commissar. Ends