Justus Tweyongyere,a Ugandan trader detained in Rwanda. COURTESY PHOTO

By Monitor Reporter

Rwanda’s envoy to Uganda Major General Frank Mugambage has denied claims that his country’s intelligence had abducted Ugandans at Katuna border post in Kabale.
Mugambage however said the Rwanda government is holding Justus Tweyongyere, a Ugandan trader who was arrested for forgery and he is being detained as a probe continues.

On Thursday, business at Uganda border town of Katuna was paralyzed for several hours as traders and residents staged a peaceful demonstration protesting what they called the frequent arrest of their colleagues by Rwandan authorities.
The Mayor for Katuna town council Mr Nelson Nshangabasheija was among the demonstrators who demanded the intervention of the Ugandan government for the release of one of their colleagues, Tweyongyeire, 50, alias Mwaanamuto arguing that Rwanda being a member of the East African Community, people from either country are free to carry out cross border trade without being harassed.
The Ugandan deputy ambassador to Rwanda, Ms Anne Katusiime, then said that they had received information from the Rwanda Ministry of foreign affairs telling them about the arrest of Mr Tweyongyeire on charges of illegal money exchange, forging and use of counterfeit documents and were making arrangements to visit him at Kimihurura police station in Kigali where he is still detained.