{UAH} Exclusive: Uganda Responds to Rwanda on ‘Complicated’ Relations
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Exclusive: Uganda Responds to Rwanda on 'Complicated' Relations
The government of Uganda has urged Rwanda to always communicate its "concerns through the rightful diplomatic channels", Chimp Corps report.
The Permanent Secretary at Uganda's Foreign Affairs Ministry, Amb Patrick Mugoya, said both Rwanda and Uganda have embassies in each other's countries which should be used to resolve outstanding issues.
Mugoya was responding to Rwanda's Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Richard Sezibera who on Tuesday said at a press conference in Kigali that Rwanda's relations with Uganda were "complicated."
Sezibera, who was addressing his first presser since taking over the Foreign Affairs docket from Louise Mushikiwabo, observed: "We have cases of Rwandans travelling to Uganda who have been facing violence while suspected criminals have been finding refuge there."
He emphasized: "We look forward to untangling the situation."
But speaking in an interview with ChimpReports on Wednesday morning, Mugoya said Sezibera is "entitled to his opinion".
On alleged Rwandan criminals finding a sanctuary in Uganda, Mugoya said, "If people come running here as refugees, there are screening processes that have to be undertaken."
He said, "If Rwanda has information about these people's criminal records, let them share it with us."
Disaster Preparedness Minister Musa Ecweru last week said Rwandans were continuing to flee their country over political persecution.
He said while the country looks stable, hundreds were leaving the country and had nothing to do with genocide.
Complicated
Pressed to explain if Uganda shares the view that relations between the two neighbours are 'complicated', Mugoya responded: "He (Sezibera) needs to clarify on what's complicated. We have channels of communications and representatives in each other's countries. If there are issues of concern, channel them and we deal with them. And we always deal with them."
For the last few years, Uganda and Rwanda have been bickering over unfulfilled commitments in the joint implementation of the infrastructure projects especially the standard gauge railway, internet cable infrastructure and power lines.
Most importantly, Rwanda accuses Uganda of harbouring and facilitating movement of rebels loyal to dissident General Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa, claims Kampala has dismissed as baseless.
The rebels are reportedly receiving military training in Minembwe, South Kivu, DRC.
On the hand, Uganda security services have previously arrested dozens of Rwandans suspected of engaging in acts of espionage and forming cells to destabilize the country.
Kigali is also accused of harassing Ugandans doing business in Rwanda.
Meanwhile, an investigation by this news website shows several Ugandan and Rwandan officials in the intelligence and armed forces have personal scores to settle, undermining efforts to normalize relations between the two countries.
"If some people have issues, that should be their business. The people of Uganda and Rwandans have no fundamental problem," a high ranking and influential government official in Uganda said on condition of anonymity as he is not allowed to speak to the media.
President Museveni and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame recently met in Kampala and Addis Ababa to iron out the differences.
They also expressed hope the two countries' ties would be fully restored.
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