Uganda-Rwanda Military Officials Hold Meeting To Curb Border Crime
Uganda and Rwanda military officials are holding a high profile meeting aimed at curbing border crime between both countries.
A three days meeting which started on May 28, 2024 in Nyagatare district, Nothern Province in Rwanda is being led by Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) Chief of Staff and Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) 2nd Division Commander, Brigadier General Paul Muhanguzi.
Major Kiconco Tabaro, UPDF 2nd Division spokesperson says that the meeting is aimed at strengthening cooperation between armies of both countries as well as forging means of combating crimes and other forms of insecurity along the borderline.
Tabaro says that a delegation is also holding talks with political officials at border districts of Nyagatare and Gicumbi as well as heads of Gatuna border posts.
Speaking during the meeting on Wednesday, Nyakarundi hailed UPDF for the efforts it has put to preserve border security. “On behalf of the RDF leadership appreciate the UPDF steadfast efforts to preserve security and ensure coordination along our common borders as close neighbors, we must uphold our special relationship and address security challenges, “says Nyakarundi.
Muhanguzi expressed optimism that the talks will help boost legal cross border trade. ” I would like to thank the President of the republic of Uganda HE Yoweri Museveni and the President of the Republic of Rwanda for allowing us as proximity commanders to look into cross border security issues and be part of mechanism for resolving and bridging the gaps. This will facilitate the involvement of all stakeholders in finding solution to challenges that affect border communities, in fact this will boaster cross border trade once all the legal requirements are adhered to,” says Muhanguzi.
Uganda and Rwanda are steadily restoring relationship following the closure of the border between 2019-2022. In 2019, Rwandan President Paul Kagame ordered the closure of the border after accusing Ugandan authorities of spying on Rwanda, abducting Rwandan citizens and locking them in non-designated areas, as well as hosting and facilitating dissidents who have declared war on the Kigali administration.
Rwanda then issued a travel advisory to its nationals against traveling to Uganda, saying their safety was not guaranteed. At the time the border was closed, five Ugandans were shot dead by Rwanda security personnel on accusations of carrying out smuggling. On January 31, 2022, the Rwandan government resolved to re-open the border.
During the border closure, about six people both Ugandans and Rwandan nationals were shot dead by Rwandan security operatives over smuggling. Even after the border re-opened, traders on the Ugandan side accused Rwandan authorities of blocking some of the goods especially maize flour from crossing into their country. In December 2023, another high profile meeting was held in Uganda’s district of Kabale.
***URN***
Post Views: 1,007
Uganda-Rwanda Military Officials Hold Meeting To Curb Border Crime
News
Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
News
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum