‘We have agreed 100% on all aspects’

Entebbe, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  Uganda and Rwanda have agreed to investigate recent incidents that have reportedly soured relations between the two countries.

President Yoweri Museven told a press conference that Sunday’s talks were positive. “We have discussed many things ranging from Infrastructure, transportation, economy and security, and we have agreed 100% on all aspects,” he said.

Museveni added that, “On security matters, there is no fundamental problem between Rwanda and Uganda. A number of incidents that are being commented about in the media, many would be properly addressed if only there was better communication. We have phones, we should talk more.”

Rwanda President Paul Kagame said that if there are any issues that need resolving, the respective agencies in the two countries have been urged to talk to each other, find out the facts, and agree on action to be taken.

“I can say with great satisfaction that we were able to agree on a number of important things for the benefit of our countries and region. Better communication, working together more deeply and sharing facts regularly will allow us to take better decisions,” visiting President Paul Kagame said.

On claims of unfair treatment of Ugandan nationals in Rwanda, President Kagame said,” Many things are said, sometimes out of context. We have agreed that relevant institutions on both sides should swiftly get together and get to the bottom of each specific allegation.”

Kagame said the situation in the DRC and resultant refugee influx was a particular area of concern, and they will engage the United Nations to seek action.

“DRC is of a big concern to everyone, starting with the neighbors, particularly Uganda which has already spillovers from that situation. We should be moving faster or doing more.”

The Rwandan leader who is new African Union (AU) Chairman, was in the country on a one-day day working visit to brief Museveni on the recent AU Summit in Kigali that resulted in the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area by 44 AU member countries paving the way for the creation of one African market.

“I congratulate President Kagame for assuming the chairmanship of the African Union and also for successfully hosting the recent summit that saw countries endorse the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Museveni said, adding that, ” I thank him for honouring my invitation. Uganda is home to Rwandans, literally and metaphorically.”

The other areas that the two Heads of State discussed included the railway line works, electricity supply, airline operations and security between the two countries and the region.

It was also agreed that the foreign affairs officials of Rwanda and Uganda arrange another meeting in three months to arrange for a state visit by President Yoweri Museveni to Rwanda.

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