Uganda–Rwanda tensions escalate as two Ugandans are shot dead

Hopes of Uganda-Rwanda tensions coming to end are hitting a dead end after Rwandan security operatives shooting two Ugandans to death.

It’s alleged that on the 9/11/2019 at around 8PM while at Tabagwe village in Nyagatare district in Rwanda, two Ugandans were shot dead by Rwandan security forces on allegation that they were smuggling tobacco into Rwanda which is prohibited in the country.

The deceased have been identified as Byarushaga Ayub male aged 37 years resident of Nyakabungo cell, Kashekye Parish Kamwezi Sub County in Rukiga District and Tuhirwe John Bosco male aged 30 years of the same address.

This information was brought through on Sunday morning 10/11/2019 at around 8 am by Musule John Bosco who is the father of the deceased, Byarushaga Ayub.

According to available information, the bodies were taken to Nyagatare District hospital by the security.

It’s is still unknown how Rwanda will hand over the bodies to Uganda.

In May this year Rwandan security forces murdered Nyesiga Alex a Ugandan from Kasekye Parish, Kamwezi Sub County, in Rukiga District.

Eelly Maate, the Kigezi police spokesperson has confirmed the shootings.

In August this year, Presidents Kagame and his Uganda counterpart Yoweri Museveni signed a pact in Angola aimed at ending months of tensions.

Angolan President Joao Lourenco along with his counterparts from Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo witnessed the event in Luanda.

In mid-September, a meeting was convened in Kigali and both nations Uganda and Rwanda reportedly agreed to open borders soon.

However, there are little signs showing whether the borders will open despite the signing agreements and holding regional meetings.

The borders were closed after the two countries accused other each of espionage, political killings and attacks on trade.

Since the border was closed in February 2019, many Rwandans have been arrested, detained or shot dead while attempting to cross into Uganda.

It was later reported that Kigali had introduced a fine of USD 5,000 to anyone who was arrested while attempting to cross to Uganda or selling Ugandan products.

A lot of money has been lost since border closure.  In early June this year, it was reported that Kampala had lost more than $664 million’s worth of exports to Rwanda while Kigali had lost $104 million during the three months the Gatuna border had been closed.

 

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