Rwanda government has dismissed attempts by Kampala to resume peace talks aimed at restoring relations between the two countries that hit rock-bottom amidst angry accusations over supporting hostile elements against the other.
Following a visit by Ambassador Adonia Ayebare to Kigali where he delivered a special message from President Museveni to his Rwandan counterpart, Yolande Makolo,the Rwanda spokesman took to Twitter to pour cold water on attempts by Kampala to mend fences.
“Good to see talks continue at all levels, but meetings & envoy visits have not led to tangible results on Uganda’s part. Still no accountability for terrorist elements operating against Rwanda inside Uganda, and harassment of innocent Rwandans continues,”Ms Yolande tweeted.
Museveni’s message to Kagame was delivered by Adonia Ayebale after Vincent Ssempija,Uganda’s defence Minister who was initially charged with the assignment tested positive for Covid at the last minute.
Sources familiar with the souring in relations between Kampala and Kigali say that Kagame is somewhat uncomfortable with Adonia Ayebale,given his brother relationship with Maj Gen Abel Kandiho,Uganda’s Chief Military Intelligence(CMI) who has been leading the crackdown of Rwandese elements in Uganda.
Relations between President Museveni and Kagame,who fought in the 1980-85 war that brought the former to power, have long been volatile.
Museveni and Kagame’s armies fought two deadly wars in DR Congo in the late 90s and the two have since harbored irreconcilable differences.
After a lull in the squabbling, the quarrels resurfaced over the last 5 years.
Several Ugandans arrested inside Rwanda have been killed, their dead bodies sent back home.
Uganda on the other hand has numerous times released hostile Rwandan elements and repatriated them to Kigali.
