Uganda, Rwanda are upbeat about a rebound in ties after a 4-yr impasse
By George Kalisa
Ugandan government has said today that the meeting between Rwandan President H.E Paul Kagame and Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the SPA/SO and Commander of Land Forces (UPDF) raises hopes of ironing out the problems that led to the subversion of the relations between the two countries.
“The meeting between the President of Rwanda, @PaulKagame and the commander of Uganda’s Land Forces, @mkainerugaba in the Rwandan Capital Kigali on Saturday has raised hopes of ironing out the debacle which has eclipsed the relations between the two countries,” said a tweet on the Uganda Government official tweeter account today.
Ugandan and Rwandan authorities are apparently itching to restore relations for both nations to enjoy the advantages that accrue from bilateral relations.
The landlocked East African Community (EAC) nations’ socio-economic interests have recently awakened their realization that they’re both winners if they revitalize the cooperation that existed until 2017.
Pretty much four years, the diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring countries have been severe following accusations and counter-accusations grounded in the security of the two neighbouring countries.
Now, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the SPA/SO and Commander of Land Forces (UPDF), a few hours after the Saturday visit to H. E Paul Kagame describes the formerly serious issues behind the stalemate in the diplomatic relations between the two nations as “small problems,” that can be resolved quickly.
“I have been alive long enough to know that Uganda and Rwanda are one country! In exile in the 1980s me and my family were also called ‘Rwandans’. Only enemies would fight our unity. Let us resolve these small problems quickly and move forward together as always!” said Lt. Gen. Muhoozi through his official tweeter account.
“I thank President @PaulKagame for the very warm reception my delegation and I received in Kigali today. We held very cordial and in-depth discussions about how to improve our bilateral relations. I’m confident that under the leadership of our two Presidents we shall be able to quickly restore our historical good relations,” added Lt. Gen. Muhoozi.
“President Kagame and General Muhoozi @mkainerugaba had cordial, productive and forward looking discussions about Rwanda’s concerns and practical steps needed to restore the relationship between Rwanda and Uganda,” tweeted Village Urugwiro, Rwanda’s State House after the discussion between President Kagame.
Political analysts in the region are agreed that Lt. Gen. Muhoozi’s meeting with Rwandan President H.E Paul Kagame was long overdue portraying the former as the best mediator for their longtime friendship and strong family ties can be leverage.
“This is my uncle, Afande Paul Kagame. Those who fight him are fighting my family. They should all be careful,” said Lt. Gen. Muhoozi recently.
Lt. Gen. Muhoozi is the blood son of Uganda President Yoweri Museveni who has been in power since 1986 after overthrowing the regime of Dr. Apollo Milton Obote by means of guerilla warfare.
Rwanda frequently accuses Uganda of arbitrary arrests, detentions, torture among other human rights violations against Rwandan nationals on Ugandan soils. Also, Rwanda accuses Uganda of supporting negative agents whose sole aim is to destabilize Rwanda.
Uganda denies all the accusations and instead accuses her neighbour of carrying out espionage on her territory.
However, Rwanda has been highly hospitable to Ugandan nationals who either visit, work or study on her territory up to date.
Political analysts and residents in the two countries, thus, look at the Saturday meeting in the Rwandan capital, Kigali with high anticipation of ushering the awaited return of a peaceful co-existence.
