Kutesa: Our Problem is Rwanda Infiltrating Uganda’s Security Agencies

Kampala has revealed that the main source of its problems with Kigali is the “infiltration” of its security services by Rwandan agents, Chimp Corps report.

“Infiltration of Ugandan security agencies by Rwandan Government and its people is why people are detained,” said Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa during a press briefing on Saturday morning.

Kutesa and Rwanda’s Junior Minister for Regional Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe spoke to the media after nine hours of intense deliberations between representatives from both countries in Munyonyo.

The two parties are holding talks to resolve their differences which have affected movement of persons and hindered cross border trade.

“We think they (arrested Rwandans) are on Infiltration exercise. We must address the issue of infiltration into our security agencies,” he emphasised.

Uganda is holding several Rwandans for alleged aggressive espionage activities and building sleeper cells to destabilize president Museveni’s government.

High ranking police officers suspected of collaborating with Rwandans in the alleged harassment and illegal repatriation of refugees to Rwanda remain in military custody.

They include former Police Flying Squad boss, Herbert Muhangi.

Gen Kale Kayihura was sacked as police boss before being arrested and prosecuted for alleged illegal repatriation of Rwandan refugees.

Rwanda has previously protested the incarceration of its nationals in Uganda, saying the suspects are not only denied consular services but also held incommunicado.

Kigali also maintains that some of the arrested Rwandans are subjected to torture, a claim Kampala vehemently denies.

Nevertheless, this is not the first time Kampala is accusing Rwanda of aggressive espionage acts.

On March 10, 2019, President Museveni wrote to his Rwandan counterpart, saying Kigali was meddling in Uganda’s internal affairs.

“What is wrong is for Rwanda agents to try to operate behind the Government of Uganda,” said Museveni, adding, “I get a lot of stories; but I will never raise them unless I have confirmed them.”