The Uganda government has described the killing of two Ugandans by security forces on Rwanda as a reckless behavior.
This response is contained in a protest note issued by the Uganda government spokesperson, Ofwono Opondo and delivered to Rwanda’s envoy to Uganda, Maj. Gen. Frank Mugambage.
“Government of Uganda has today issued a protest to the Government of Rwanda, in regards to shootings by Rwandan Security Personnel that continue to occur along the common shared Uganda-Rwanda border,” the note issued on Tuesday evening reads in part.
It was delivered to Mugambage by Ambassador Patrick Mugoya Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda.
READ ALSO: Bodies Of Ugandans Shot Dead In Rwanda Repatriated
John Bosco Tuheirwe and Job Ebyarishanga, both residents of Kamwezi Sub-county were shot dead by Rwandan security about 1km away from the Mpororo border post in Kamwezi Sub County on Saturday night for allegedly smuggling tobacco.
The note adds, “The Government of Uganda protests in the strongest terms the murder of its nationals by Rwandan security personnel for allegedly being involved in smuggling of goods across the common border. The alleged crime cannot justify the high handed and criminal act by the Rwandan security personnel, against unarmed civilians residing along the common border. Furthermore, the Ministry notes that these murders are inimical to the ongoing efforts to improve relations between the two countries. The Ministry demands that a joint investigation in the murders be conducted and the perpetrators held accountable.”
The bodies of two Ugandans shot dead in Rwanda over the weekend have been repatriated.
“The Government of Uganda considers the shooting incident a grave matter and that although the latest victim is Rwandan, it constitutes a pattern of reckless and high-handed acts on the part of Rwanda security personnel, against simple, ordinary people that live along the common border. The Government of Uganda is ready to hand Peter Havugimana to the relevant Rwanda Government authorities, if he wishes to return.”
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.
