Ugandan drivers who are stuck at Gatuna and Chanika borders following the closure of the Rwandan border are forced to lock themselves inside their trucks at night, URN reports.
Rwanda
blocked cargo trucks and buses since Wednesday, to reportedly pave way for
upgrading the One Stop Border Post at Gatuna border.
But Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Richard
Sezibera tweeted moments later that Rwandans are strongly advised not to travel
to Uganda due to ongoing arrests, harassment, and torture, a statement which
portrays hostility between the two neighbouring countries.
Bernard Ssengendo, one of the truck drivers says that although they are allowed
to make movements during daytime and return to the Ugandan side of the border
for meals, they are ordered to lock themselves inside their trucks throughout
the night by Rwanda National Police.
Jamil Sebo, another truck driver found at Katuna says that he was only allowed
to cross to buy medicine and team but was never given any reason warranting him
to lock himself in the truck.
Meantime, Internal Security Organization (ISO) officials and locals at Katuna
and Chanika borders have confirmed that Rwanda Defense Force soldiers are
heavily deployed along the border. The deployment of heavily armed personnel is
visible in the hills at Mukaniga, Byumba and Buganza. At Chanika border in
Kisoro district, the army is heavily deployed along the border on the Rwanda
side.
Innocent
Kyokwijuja, one of the casual labourers at Katuna border says that the
deployment of the army at Mukaniga hills has aroused tension.
URN reporter at Chanika also confirms the presence of vehicles patrolling the
border. ISO officials, however, say that Uganda is yet to deploy because
there is no reason so far.
Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda on Friday said that the government, through
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is handling the matter.
