Cross-border tensions as Rwanda deports five Ugandans

Cross-border tensions as Rwanda deports five Ugandans

Kampala, Uganda | URN | Five Ugandans who were being detained in Rwanda have been deported.

They are Gilbert Beingana, Amos Tibesiga and Nicholas Tumwesigye, all residents of Kabale district.

Others include; Ivan Nirinyiyimana and Beatha Nyiramuco, from Kisoro district.

The five were arrested last week for illegal entry into Rwanda.

In a statement released on Tuesday 19th, November 2019 by Francois Regis Gatarahiya, the Rwanda’s Director General of Immigration and Emigration, the five were deported back to Uganda because they were prohibited immigrants in Rwanda.

Gideon Turyatunga, a brother to Beingana says that the five were deported and dumped at Uganda-Rwanda border of Chanika in Kisoro district on Tuesday morning.

Cross-border tensions as Rwanda deports five Ugandans
Some of the deported Ugandans

Rwanda closed its borders with Uganda in February 2019 to purportedly expedite the construction of the single customs at Gatuna border. Rwanda advised truck drivers destined to Kigali to use Kagitumba border via Mirama Hills.

Read Also: Rwanda calls off Kampala second border closure meeting

President Paul Kagame later accused Ugandan authorities of abducting its citizens and locking them up in ungazetted areas. Rwanda also accused Uganda of hosting and facilitating dissidents especially Rwanda National Congress (RNC) and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda FDLR, which have declared war on the Kigali government.

Rwanda advised its citizens against travelling to Uganda, saying it can’t guarantee their safety.

Last week, two Ugandan traders Bosco Tuheirwe and Job Ebyarishanga were shot dead about 1km away from the Mpororo border post in Kamwezi Sub County.