The Uganda government has revealed that it would be concerned only if Rwanda deployed in a territory that isn’t theirs.
Adrresing the media this morning at Uganda Media Centre about Cabinet Resolutions, Government Spokesperson, Ofwono Opondo (in featured photo) said: “If Rwanda deploys in their territory what is wrong with that? Isn’t it their territory? If Rwanda deployed in an area which is not their territory then that would be a problem.”
His remarks come on the heels of news that the Rwanda government has deployed her army on the border with Uganda.
He added that Rwanda issuing travel advisories to her citizens isn’t a new thing.
“[Travel] Advisories are not new. You have seen Americans, Europeans issuing advisories to their citizens,” Opondo said, adding that since the border stalemate began, Ugandans and nationals from other countries have moved into Rwanda freely.
“Uganda remains with open arms towards ALL foreigners. The basic minimum is that they respect the laws of Uganda,” he said.
Opondo added that bilateral engagements between Uganda and Rwanda are on. “We have diplomatic channels with them (Rwanda) and we shall engage with them through those channels,” he said.
Yesterday, Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga said Police are monitoring the situation along the country’s border with Rwanda as tensions between the two nations sour.
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“We continue to actively monitor the situation along the border between Uganda and Rwanda, 5 days after it was closed to commercial trucks from the Ugandan side. The border supports bilateral trade between Uganda and Rwanda with thousands of commercial trucks crossing each year, in both directions with goods,” Enanga said.
Rwanda blocked cargo trucks and buses since Wednesday last week, to reportedly pave way for upgrading the One Stop Border Post at Gatuna border.
But on Friday, the Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Richard Sezibera tweeted that Rwandans are strongly advised not to travel to Uganda due to ongoing arrests, harassment, and torture, a statement which depicts hostility between the two neighbouring countries.
However, the standoff has paralyzed business at Katuna and Chanika borders. Businessmen; among them wholesale and retail shop owners, money changers, hoteliers, drivers, told Uganda Radio Network that they are incurring losses as a result of blocked traffic at the border.
Reports indicate that Rwandans are also suffering as fuel and food shortage begins to bite. For example, as a result of the border impasse, a kilogram of maize flour is now selling at RWF 500 (over UShs2,000), up from RWF300 (UShs1,200). This is because maize from Uganda is no longer entering the country. Fuel prices have also gone up due to shortage, something that may result into inflation and put Kagame and his government into more trouble.
Kagame doesn’t know his grade, he ain’t knowing that uganda is super power, it is not that story of Kisangani in DRC where our excellent general used to tell man.Lt.kazin to stand down in favour of his son kagame as a son who was raised in Uganda , the brig.Diiba used to just forgive them then in favour of order from above even though we incurred loses of over 1000 soldiers , I hope Uganda won’t wait for more damagesof its blood, “He will know the pearl of afrika in detailed tears streaming and floating over its rivers” dear pearls please protect people in the region, army don’t wait to deploy as you waited too much in Kisangani.God bless Uganda , God bless my president H.E.M7 the president of the Republic of uganda and my fellow lovers of Special NRM.