The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed with contempt, allegations carried by any publications or platforms insinuating that bilateral ties between Uganda and Rwanda are stretched to break point limit.
This follows an article carried in the Red Pepper publication of November 20 with headline; “M7 plotting to overthrow Kagame – Rwanda” in which the Red Pepper reproduces a malicious article by a Rwandan online publication “Rushyashya” of an alleged plan by the Ugandan Government to overthrow the Rwanda Government.
However, the government in a statement by Ministry of Affairs Permanent Secretary, Patrick Mugoya, has rubbished the claims, citing that the two countries are currently enjoying strong and cordial relations.
“The Ministry informs the citizens of both Uganda and Rwanda that the continuous innuendo by the likes of “Rushyashya” and various other media outlets both in Uganda and Rwanda, including the Red Pepper is mischievous at best, irresponsible at worst and meant to sow discord between our two sister nations. The Ministry condemns such abuse of the communication platforms they are privileged to manage,” the statement reads in part.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically states that bilateral ties between Uganda and Rwanda remain solid and Rwanda remains a strategic partner to Uganda in both our visions for integration and for peace and security in the region,” the statement continues.
The ministry also cautions the public to ignore a list of alleged grievances against Uganda by Rwanda, that is being regurgitated in various media outlets and platforms.
“There has been no concern raised through the agreed official channels by either State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no reason to suggest anything to the contrary.”
There have been reports from various media stressing that Uganda and Rwanda ties have been strained lately with the climax being the case involving the alleged kidnap of former Rwanda spy, Jeol Mutabazi.
At least nine people including former commander police Special Operations Unit, Senior Superitendent of Police Nixon Agasiirwe, Senior Commissioner of Police Joel Aguma(Commandant of Professional Standard Unit) Sgt Abel Tumukunde ( Flying Squad) James Magada (Crime Intelligence), Faisal Katende(Flying Squad),Amon Kwarisima,Rene Rutagugira(Rwandese) and Bahati Mugenga(Congolese) are accused of kidnapping before repatriating Lt.Joel Mutabazi, a former bodyguard to Rwandan president Paul Kagame to Rwanda in 2013 and a one Jackson Kalemera.
Among the accused in Rene Rutangungira a retired Rwandan soldier who was arrested on August 5 for allegedly conducting espionage and assassination missions inside Uganda.
Other issues alleged to have clouded the relationship between the two countries as quoted by different media houses is Uganda’s refusal to hand traffic rights to Rwanda Air for direct flights from Entebbe to Britain.
