Government: Arrested Rwandans are criminals

Rwandans arrested in Uganda were criminals and have to be convicted,Henry Okello Oryem has said.

According to Oryem, the State Minister of Internal Affairs, the convicted Rwandans have cases to answer as far as laws of Uganda are concerned.

This after two months of closed borders between the two neighbouring countries, following accusations by Rwanda that Uganda was offering support to individuals and groups of rebels that were planning to cause instability in Kigali.

They have also blamed Uganda for arresting, torturing and deporting Rwandans without giving them chances for a fair hearing. Since this incident took place many traders lost their goods and money.
However, when this website contacted Oryem this week, he said that there was no need to worry.
“Whatever is taking place as far as Uganda and Rwanda border is concerned is something that can be easily be addressed. If Rwanda is concerned about regional peace, Uganda is willing to negotiate, for us our borders remain open to Rwandans to come and go for trade, family visitation, education or any reason,” said Oryem.
On the matter of Rwandans arrested in Uganda, Oryem confirmed and said they must face laws since they are criminals.
“We expect everybody in Uganda to respect laws, but if you are found to have breached them, definitely we have to arrest you. So let me make this clear that all Rwandans arrested and those who were deported, committed crimes here,” he added.
Among the Rwandans detained in Uganda include; Benard Kwizera, Augustine Rutayisire, Peter Siborurema, Christopher Mugisha, Rene Rutagungira, Pastors Ragers Mufasha, Claudine Uwineza, Gilbert Niyitegeka, Joseline Umuhire and Paulina Dusabirema.
Currently, the tension at all the border is still tight.