By Kampala Post Reporter
Government of Uganda has handed over nine Rwandan nationals freed from prison by the Makindye General Court Martial on Tuesday.
The group was on Wednesday handed over to the Rwandan government by Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa. The ceremony was held at the Ministry offices in Kampala.
They were received on behalf of the Rwandan government by Maj Gen Frank Mugambagye, Rwanda's envoy to Uganda. Among those handed over is Rene Rutagungira, Rwanda’s army officer arrested in Kampala in 2017. Rutagungira was charged with illegal repatriation of Rwandan nationals living in Uganda.
Releasing the jailed Rwandans, the Court Chairman Lt Gen Andrew Gutti said he had received confirmation from the state prosecutor that the Ugandan government had lost interest in the matter.
The release of detained Rwandese comes at the time when Uganda is making efforts to mend ties with Rwanda. Recently President Yoweri Museveni, through Uganda’s Ambassador and UN Permanent representative Adonia Ayebare sent a special message to his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame.
Uganda and Rwanda broke ties recently, prompting the Rwandan authorities to close the country’s border with Uganda at Katuna in March last year. The border remains closed despite ongoing talks.