Rwanda and Uganda have agreed to resume talks after almost four years of strained relations despite diplomatic efforts to resolve the outstanding, a diplomatic source confirmed Wednesday in Kigali
The move comes after President Paul Kagame received Monday 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 resume as the two countries look to fully restore bilateral ties.
It is said that the Uganda diplomat 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 neighbors.
The visit by the Ugandan top diplomat visit 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.
Rwanda and Uganda remain at loggerheads after almost four years of strained relations despite diplomatic efforts to resolve the outstanding issues.
Both countries have traded accusations, with Kigali accusing Kampala of supporting armed groups against it, harbouring hostile groups, kidnapping as well as torturing Rwandans in Uganda. It resulted in the closure of the border. Uganda too has accused Rwanda of trying to
impose a trade embargo and espionage.
At the height of the tensions earlier this year, Rwanda blocked cargo trucks from Uganda from entering its territory from the main crossing point at their common border at Gatuna, saying it was due to construction work at the border.
Rwanda also stopped its citizens from crossing to Uganda over allegations of arbitrary detentions of Rwandans and torture in Uganda, accusations Kampala denies.
CU/abj/APA