The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon Sam Kuteesa has today come out to address issues concerning the Uganda – Rwanda relations just a day after the Uganda military court released nine Rwandan nationals after the State prosecution dropped criminal charges against them.
This comes at a time when Uganda and Rwanda have been having a sour relationship after Rwanda closed her borders late last year.
Hon Sam Kuteesa states the the nine released Rwandan nationals where released in line with the Luanda Memorandum of Understanding signed between Uganda and Rwanda on normalization of relations between the two countries and in the context of the goodwill being exhibited in an effort to normalize relations between the two countries.
The Rwandan nationals were undergoing prosecution in the General Court Martial for various offences including among others unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition at the time that cases were coming up for hearing.
The nine individuals being repatriated back to Rwanda are; Mugabo Nelson, RTD SGT Rene Rutagungira,Etienne Nsanzabahizi,Claude Yakalemye,Urayeneza Gilbert, Munyangabe Adrien, Augustine Rutayisire, Emmanuel Rwamuchwo and CPL Nzeamana Herman.
In his speech the Minister further added that Uganda is doing all her best to normalize her relationship with Rwanda.
“I wish finally to reiterate Government’s commitment to the full normalization of relations between the two countries and to further assure that any outstanding issues and concerns will be addressed in an open and transparent manner,” he said.
