A faction of the opposition in Uganda attached to Col. Kizza Besigye has urged President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to dialogue with his Rwandan counterpart to end tense diplomatic relations between the two nations.
“We don’t want blood shed. Hundreds of Ugandan soldiers perished in Kisangani in the 90s, this time we don’t to lose a single life,” said Hon Atkins Katushabe the shadow minister of Foreign Affairs.
Atkins holds the same designation in Besigye’s self proclaimed “People’s Government.”
Addressing the media Thursday at Katonga road in Kampala on the escalated Rwanda- Uganda disputes, Mr. Atkins challenged the government of Uganda to allow Rwandan ambassador Maj. Gen. Frank Mugambage unlimited access to all jails suspected to have Rwandan inmates so as to end speculations and heaps of allegations.
He further said, those in detention centers have a right to seek legal representation.
Rwanda maintains several of its citizens are rotting away in Ugandan prisons having been tortured.
The assertions prompted Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Richard Sezibera to issue a travel advisory to all citizens in and outside Rwanda to desist from stepping in Uganda for they will be subjected to torture and harassment.
Sezibera’s counterpart Sam Kutesa however rubbished off Rwanda’s claims but insisted that foreigners who break the land’s law must be apprehended.
Not so long ago, Uganda deported four foreigners who held powerful positions at MTN Uganda.
Among the repatriated include, Anne Tabura, a Rwandese who worked as Sale and Distribution manager.
Mediation
Besigye’s faction popularly known for its violent political approach has proposed that Rwanda and Uganda initiate talks with former American President Bill Clinton and ex UK Premier Tonny Blair as facilitators.
Atkins said the suggestion is hinged on the perception both Clinton and Blair had for Kagame and Museveni at a time they were still in power.
“Clinton and Blair once termed the two Presidents as Africa’s distinguished Statesmen,” he said.
But he was quick to add that the talks should involve a truthful and honest discussion from both parties.
He also suggested that government of Uganda should setup a structured communication channel because lately there has been uncoordinated and intoxicated flow of information.
“On diplomacy we should have either Mr. Museveni or Kutesa as the communicator or Gen. David Muhoozi speak on behalf of the army,” the FDC legislator said.
Atkin’s proposal comes high on heals of a stern warning issued by the President against all government officials to desist discussing Rwanda’s relations in the media.