We don’t host or deal with RNC rebels – Uganda blasts Rwanda’s sympathisers

The Government of Uganda, in a media statement released Friday, has castigated ‘elements’ yet to be identified claiming that the country recently hosted a meeting for the purposes of election of a committee of a shadowy rebel group, the Rwanda National Congress (RNC).

The Executive Director of Uganda Media Centre and government spokesperson, Ofwono Opondo in the media statement maintains that Uganda does not deal with RNC as alleged.

“Uganda reiterates that it doesn’t know, host or deal or deal in any way with such a group, a fact that has been ably communicated through the appropriate channels to the Government of the Republic of Rwanda. Uganda does not harbor any intentions or interests of destabilizing the Government of Rwanda.”

Ofwono says that Uganda is committed to implementing the Luanda Memorandum of Understanding signed in September 23rd without any hesitation. He says Uganda has already proposed and awaiting response from the Government of Rwanda on the formation a joint verification committee to follow up on and resolve any outstanding issues.

He warns that Uganda will not be distracted by any “provocative malicious propaganda in the media because it believes that bilateral and diplomatic channels avail will resolve any possible misunderstanding.”

Rwanda in April 2019, accused Uganda of supporting RNC rebels Kigali says want to topple President Paul Kagame’s Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) that captured power in 1994.

Rwanda has also accused Uganda of dealing with Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

The RNC is a rebel group led by some of Rwanda’s most prominent dissidents including South Africa-based Kayumba Nyamwasa. Its founders say it is a political party.

Relations between the two nations soured after Rwanda blocked Ugandan cargo trucks from entering its territory at the busiest crossing point, Katuna, and barred its nationals from crossing into Uganda.