Recently we witnessed one of the fiercest diplomatic tensions between Rwanda and Uganda playing out on social media after reports emerged that Kigali had stopped trucks from Uganda entering the country via the Gatuna border, with Kigali going as far as warning its nationals against travelling to Uganda.
Dr Richard Sezibera, Rwanda minister of Foreign Affairs, on March 1, claimed that all Rwandas borders were open and that trucks and heavy vehicles were advised to use Kagitumba due to ongoing construction at Katuna border.
He again contradicted himself saying; ‘Rwandese were strongly advised not to travel to Uganda due to ongoing arrests, harassment, torture, incarceration without consular access, deportation, etc. This is for their own security.
It later emerged that the Kigali Government closed its border with Uganda on accusations that Uganda is supporting Rwanda National Congress (RNC), a rebel group that Rwanda alleges is plotting to overthrow their government.
That its enemies recruited from Uganda and are now being trained in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), then why is it focusing on closing borders with Uganda not DRC?
Uganda hosts over 1 million Banyarwanda, why is it that Rwanda is concerned about only 40 individuals whom the government spokesperson Mr Ofwono Opondo confirms some of the names listed are properly before courts of law on different counts, some hold refugee status and cards and have been frequently going to Rwanda, thus raising suspicion, while others entered Uganda as DRC nationals seeking asylum.
China has over 150 Ugandans locked up in prisons some of which have been sentenced to death, has Uganda closed its borders or ordered Chinese out of Uganda? Because these Ugandans went to China and committed crimes on their own Uganda, as a nation cannot risk the bigger picture strategic partnership with China.
UAE has deported many Ugandans after abuse, exploitation and without any fair treatment, has Uganda attacked UAE or even closed borders? Instead, our ministers had to negotiate better treatment for our citizens.
Rwanda goes ahead to threatened to attack Uganda; wars are things of the past. Rwanda should also assess the collateral damages that can result from war. You will never hear countries like America at war with its neighbors like; Canada but, you will hear them in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria etc. This is because they know the direct effect of war on their country.
The problems between Uganda and Rwanda can easily be solved if Rwanda the fermenter of conflict understood that regional integration is critical for future of our people and that the differences that may occur between our countries are smaller compared to our strategic needs and benefits that accrues from cooperation.
Therefore, any such occurrence should be resolved through diplomatic means.
