Government distances itself from Ugandan defectors

The Rwandan government on Tuesday distanced itself from the activities of defecting Ugandan army soldiers. According to a government statement, remarks made by a senior army officer, Lt. Col. Anthony Kyakabale, who defected vowing to wage war against the Ugandan government, “can only be attributed to him”. “The government of Rwanda accepted his entry into the country on humanitarian grounds,” the statement said. “The government of Rwanda will not accept the abuse of this hospitality for the launch of political activities against a neighbour.” The government said it was having consultations with UNHCR and others to resolve the problem of the Ugandan officers fleeing from their country. “The government of Rwanda wishes to reiterate that the other defectors from the UPDF [Uganda People’s Defence Forces] will be allowed to stay in the country on condition that they do not engage in any political activity against their country of origin,” the statement said. Lt. Col. Kyakabale joined some 50 UPDF soldiers who defected last week to Rwanda. President Paul Kagame told a news conference on Wednesday he will meet his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni on Friday to “resolve the souring relationship between neighbours”, the Rwanda News Agency (RNA) reported.