Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of International relations, Okello Oryem has quizzed Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Kampala over the continued closure of the border and denial of entry of Rwandan citizens into Uganda.
According to sources at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maj. Gen. Frank Mugambage Rwanda’s envoy to Kampala arrived at ministry in the afternoon and immediately held a closed meeting which was attended by top diplomats at the ministry. Gen. Mugambage was asked why his country has continued to lock the border despite the East African common market protocol.
“Yes he did appear before Mr. Oyrem and the meeting tasked him to explain the unfolding events in his country. He asked more time to check with his superiors before he reports back” said asource.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier on Friday Gen Frank Mugambage over the Uganda-Rwanda border impasse. Mugambage is a long serving Kigali envoy to Kampala and he previously served as the first Inspector General of Police upon the capture of power by Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF).
While addressing the media about the situation on the border at Media Centre, the government Spokesman, Ofwono Opondo said Mugambage has been summoned to explain the circumstances on why Rwanda closed their border.
It all started on Wednesday evening at the Uganda-Rwanda border following a decision by the Rwandan authorities to block any vehicles or Ugandans from entering or exiting their country.
Opondo said, “All vehicles coming from Rwanda enter well into Uganda but it’s the opposite on the Rwandan side. Rwandans aren’t being allowed to travel & enter Uganda but Ugandan nationals are. What is being stopped are only vehicles because of the blockage.”
“There’s no witch hunt for Rwandans in Uganda. There’s also nobody from Rwanda being held by the Ugandan authorities for any reason. We would like to send a clear message to Rwanda that there’s no one Uganda is harassing from Rwanda or has in custody.” He added.
Meanwhile air transport hasn’t been affected. Flights have been going on smoothly at Entebbe Airport and Fly Rwanda Air or any other airline. No Rwandans or Ugandans have been affected by this.
However, Rwanda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe is quoted to have said that Uganda has continued to arrest and detain Rwandans here.