Rwanda’s deployment signals an escalation of the diplomatic hostility between the two countries which has been ongoing for the last two years. Since Wednesday last week, Rwanda blocked Ugandan trucks and buses from crossing into or out of Rwanda. Initially, the official reason given, was that Rwanda was upgrading its one stop border post at Gatuna border and advised drivers to use Chanika border post as an alternative.
However this border post too was blocked. Indeed, moments later, Rwandan minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Richard Sezibera, tweeted that Rwandans are strongly advised not to travel to Uganda due to ongoing arrests, harassment, and torture. Rwandan authorities went on to block Rwandan nationals including students from crossing into Uganda although some of them could be seen using the unmanned entry points. Uganda government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo on Saturday said that strangely, no Rwandan national had flown to Entebbe airport from Rwanda since Wednesday which was indicative that perhaps Rwandans have been blocked from from flying into Uganda.
Bernard Ssengendo, one of the Ugandan truck drivers still stuck in Rwanda, says that although Ugandan drivers are now allowed to make movements during daytime and return to the Ugandan side of the border for meals, they are ordered to lock themselves inside their trucks throughout the night by the Rwandan police.
Jamil Sebo, another truck driver found at Katuna says that he was only allowed to cross over to the Ugandan side to buy medicine. He says Rwanda police has given them no reasons warranting him to lock himself in the truck.
“They don’t tell you anything. Since last week they don’t allow us to drive out of Rwanda although for now, people are allowed to move into Uganda for meals and medicine. And when night falls, they tell you to lock yourself inside the truck. They don’t give any reasons.” said Sebo.
Uganda prime minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda on Friday said that the government, through the ministry of Foreign Affairs is handling the matter.