Rwanda, Uganda in joint border policing
caption: Ntungamo RDC Fred Bamwine (2nd L) speaks to Nyakatare Mayor Fred Sabiti (2nd R) at Kagitumba Township in Rwanda on Tuesday as other officials from Uganda and Rwanda look on. Photo by Fred Rumanzi
NTUNGAMO- Rwanda and Uganda authorities have embarked on joint monitoring of the border to curb crime and end hostilities between the neighbouring communities in Nyakatare and Ntungamo districts.
Rwanda and Uganda political leaders, civil servants, security personnel and the local community on Tuesday held meetings on either side in Nyakatare (Rwanda) and Ntungamo.
They committed themselves to fight crime and enforce laws for the benefit of both communities.
Good old days
“Before we became colonies and these Whites came in and separated us, we were one and we had similar cultures and we used to eat together and share everything.
“These borders were simply set up to separate us and cause standing barriers for our co-operation,” Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Fred Bamwine told a Rwandan community gathering at Musheri sector headquarters in Nyakatare.
He added: “We have been blessed by the co-operation and unity embedded in our two presidents Paul Kagame and Museveni and as local leaders and people, we must cement them (co-operation and unity) to live forever.”
Nyakatare district mayor Fred Atuhe encouraged the two communities to take advantage of the unity between their countries to carry out fruitful trade. Addressing a meeting at Kagyezi Primary School in Ruhaama Sub-county, Ntungamo District, he asked residents to only trade in legal items.
“We must utilise the arrangements made [by the two governments] to do business. However, we should respect the laws of both countries. Some things are allowed here but not in Rwanda,” Mr Atuhe said.
Mr Peter Tebuka, the District Police Commander of Nyakatare, also cautioned Rwandans and Uganda against dealing in illicit Kanyanga (local waragi), which is an illegal gin in Rwanda.
Rwizi Region deputy police commander Geofrey Makyeme identified human trafficking, terrorism, theft of animals, vehicles, and agriculture products, smuggling, robberies, hiding criminals, hostility among the neigbouring communities, and disrespect of laws as major hindrances to co-existence that has been fought jointly.
The Rwandan community asked leaders from the two countries to allow them have Ugandan national identification and also be allowed to vote in Uganda’s 2016 elections. They said the countries’ relation should not only stop at meeting and discussing issues.
Meanwhile, Ugandans asked for better terms of trade and removal of barriers to allow free movement and to be accorded respect.
