Uganda, Rwanda sign deal to share information on rebels

KABALE.
Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF) and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) have signed an agreed to share information on rebel groups operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The agreement was signed in Kabale District on Wednesday by the UPDF 2nd Division commander Brig Peter Elwelu and RDF 2nd Division Commander, Brig Emmy Ruvusha.

Rwanda government is battling the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, which includes elements of Interahamwe militia who committed genocide in Rwanda in 1994, while Uganda is fighting the Allied Democratic Front rebel group. Both groups are based in the DR Congo.

“We have agreed to set up a joint intelligence cell where information shall be shared to stop the ongoing recruitment of the ADF and the Interahamwe rebels currently targeting to threaten the security of Uganda and Rwanda respectively,” Brig Elwelu said during a press conference after the ceremony.

Illegal immigrant
“We have also agreed on how to handle Rwandan immigrants that cross into Uganda claiming to be looking for casual jobs and end up being recruited into the Interahamwe militia group. We also agreed to sensitise the communities living at the border to be vigilant in reporting the immigrants who cross into the country through illegal border entries, to the nearest authorities for immediate action,” Brig Elwelu said.

Brig Ruvusha said the rebels have been regrouping but “the challenge has always been that Uganda and Rwanda cannot go beyond their borders to hunt down the enemies.”