Yesterday, Adonia Ayebare(L) brought a “special message” from President Museveni to President Paul Kagame
Rwanda says any efforts to resume talks with Uganda would depend on Kampala being accountable and working on issues that Rwanda has raised before, which if not addressed would still be a stumbling block in the efforts of the two East African neighbours.
President Paul Kagame on Monday received a special message from his Ugandan counterpart, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, delivered by his special envoy, Amb. Adonia Ayebare, signaling hopes that talks between the two countries, which have stalled since February 2020, could be resuming as the two countries look to fully restore bilateral ties.
Amb. Ayebare’s visit to Kigali coincided with a tweet by Uganda’s first son and commander of Special Forces, Lt. Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, tweeting photos of President Kagame, referring him as his ‘Uncle’, adding that whoever fights him (President Kagame) is fighting his family.
This is my uncle, Afande Paul Kagame. Those who fight him are fighting my family. They should all be careful. pic.twitter.com/YwBM5DwX0S
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) January 16, 2022
The tweet which was posted on January 16, triggered a flurry of comments on social media, with many stating that it could be a signal that relations between the two countries are thawing.
However, in a tweet, the Rwandan Government Spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, said that while the developments signal something good, previous meetings have not led to tangible changes, particularly on the issues Rwanda raised with Uganda.
“Good to see talks continue at all levels, but meetings & envoy visits have not led to tangible results on Uganda’s part. Still no accountability for terrorist elements operating against Rwanda inside Uganda, and harassment of innocent Rwandans continues.”
Good to see talks continue at all levels, but meetings & envoy visits have not led to tangible results on Uganda’s part. Still no accountability for terrorist elements operating against Rwanda inside Uganda, and harassment of innocent Rwandans continues. https://t.co/OQ9X9aUAmq
— Yolande Makolo ?? (@YolandeMakolo) January 18, 2022
Rwanda maintains that Rwandans are still mistreated in Uganda where they are arbitrarily arrested on unfounded allegations of espionage while others are detained incommunicado or wrongfully deported.
