Rwanda government officials have been banned from travelling to neighbouring Uganda unless they have express permission from President Paul Kagame’s office.
TrumpetNews has reliably learnt that the policy was issued by The Kagame Administration two months ago, it also affects retired civil servants and soldiers.
According to a source in Rwanda, some retirees of Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) were denied exit at the border to visit their relatives and families in Uganda during Christmas eve.
“They were reminded that they didn’t posses express clearances from the President’s office,” a source said.
Rwanda Ambassador to Uganda Maj Gen Frank Mugambage when contacted about the development questioned this news website: “Where are you getting those rumours?”
Reminded the policy had caused discontent particularly among retired RDF soldiers who have relatives and families in Uganda, Ambassador Mugambage advised this website, “ignore those rumours.”
But another official in Kigali who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal confirmed to TrumpetNews, “yes it is true, since last two months.”
The development comes high on heels of media reports that sent shivers down the diplomatic spine of two countries suggesting that their relations have in the past months worsened.
But late last year Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Ministry clarified that the two countries’ ties are still solid.
The Ministry was reacting to a story published by a local newspaper- Red Pepper suggesting that Rwanda government accused Uganda of planning a coup against President Kagame.
Red Pepper had adapted the story from Rushya Rushya- a Rwandan online publication.
The directors and editors of Red Pepper were arrested and remanded to Luzira prison over the story.
The publication’s offices until today remains under key and lock.
Late last year, Ugandans in Kabale blocked Katuna border protesting harassment and arrests of their colleagues by Rwanda government who were conducting business in the country.
Back in Uganda, a number of senior police officers are facing charges of kidnap and forced repatriation of Rwandan Refugees.