The Uganda government has freed nine Rwandan citizens who were facing criminal charges for various offences.
Among the offences was the unlawful possession firearms and ammunition.
The release of the nine was after a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the two east African countries on Wednesday.
The MOU was to normalize relations between the two countries in the context of goodwill.
The nine Rwandans were handed over to the Uganda Immigration authorities in the presence of the Rwanda High Commissioner in Uganda for onward repatriation to Rwanda.
Uganda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sam Kahama Kutesa at a Press briefing said, “the Government of Uganda has withdrawn charges against 9 Rwandese Nationals that were undergoing prosecution in the General Court Marshal for various offences.”
“I wish finally to reiterate the Government of Ugandas’ commitment to the full normalization of relationship between the 2 countries and to further assure that any outstanding issues and concerns will be addressed in an open and transparent manner”, Mr. Kutesa added.
More releases required
The people of Rwanda are happy about the move describing it as a positive one but they believe there are many of their citizens in Uganda facing similar fate.
One citizens Oliver Nduhungirehe said on twitter, “The just ended handover of the 9 Rwandan citizens who were arbitrary arrested and illegally detained in Uganda is a step in the right direction. However, 9 is not all. Hundreds of our compatriots in the same situation in Uganda must be released”.
Byinshi Sanin, another citizen added that, “We expect more to be released otherwise … 9 is just a drop in the ocean considering those illegally detained. They should also account for those that lost their lives in the dungeons”.
Officially, it is unclear the number of Rwandan citizens in Uganda facing similar challenges.
Nonetheless, the move is expected to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two East African countries.
Source: Africafeeds.com
