Rwanda denies kidnapping refugee in Uganda

By Raymong Mujuni

Rwandan High Commissioner, Frank Mugambagye, has dismissed claims that Rwandan agents attempted to kidnap a refugee in Uganda.

Speaking to the Press at his residence in Kampala on Wednesday, Mugambagye said that Protais Hakizimfura, a refugee, was arrested by the Ugandan police contrary to claims that appeared in the media that he had been kidnapped by Rwandan agents.

“Kidnap is not our method of work. Anyone who wants information on the refugee and his status should go to Uganda Police,” he said.

Protais  Hakizmfura, 66, has been in Uganda on a refugee status for over a year. He served six-year jail sentence in Rwanda before seeking asylum in Uganda.

When the Uganda Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, was contacted for a comment on the matter, he said he needed time to verify the information.

The Uganda Police and the Rwanda High commission have had a shaky relationship since the handover of Rwandan fugitive Lt Joel Mutabazi.

Mutabazi who had lived in Uganda for over four years was handed over to Rwandan authorities after surviving two kidnap attempts. After his handover, the government regretted the action and suspended the officer in charge of the operation Joel Aguma.