Rwanda shoots two dead in Uganda’s territory, Police speak out

Uganda Police is investigating a cross boarder shooting of two male adults that included a Ugandan and Rwandan national, by Rwandan security.

The incident occurred on Friday May 24, 2019, at around 8pm, at Hamisavu, trading center, Kiruhura village, Kasekye Parish, Kamwezi Sub County, in Rukiga District.

The Rwandan citizen, identified as Nyengye Peter, now deceased, was a businessman, who attempted to cross into Rwanda, on a motorcycle, loaded with his merchandise, but turned back upon noticing security presence across the border.

He was however, chased and intercepted by two armed Rwandan soldiers, a distance of about 80 meters, into Ugandan territory, at Hamisavu trading center.

The victim resisted attempts to arrest him, and was shot to the head and killed instantly. The armed soldiers, in addition, shot dead a Ugandan identified as Nyesiga Alex, who was trying to intervene.

According to Uganda Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga, the soldiers immediately withdrew, after failed attempts to remove the body of the Rwandan victim. The two bodies were transferred to Kamwezi Health Center IV for further post-mortem analysis.

“The police strongly condemn the violent acts of killing innocent civilians with impunity, regardless of their immigration status. In this very instance, there was no justification for the illegal entry and use of deadly force by the Rwandan military, due to the presence of alternative, adequate and effective remedies available at our disposal. For instance, in the recent past, 44 Rwandan nationals, who had illegally entered Uganda, were intercepted in Kasese district and deported to Rwanda in a very peaceful manner,” said Enanga.

The police mouthpiece has also revealed that they have forwarded the matter to the National Security Committee and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for better management.

“We would wish to urge our counterparts, to respect the rights of citizens along the border and avoid acts of provocation that can easily destabilize the prevailing peace along the border.”