The military said yesterday that the 40 Rwandans detained at a church in Kibuye, Kampala, in a joint security operation were “safe” in security forces custody.
Brig Richard Karemire, spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF), did not give explanations for their arrest but said inquiries were underway.
“I’m unable to provide the full details, including the nationality of the arrested suspects. However, be assured that they are in safe custody of the security forces as investigations continue,” he said.
When questioned what caused the arrest and what was the focus of the inquiries, Brig Karemire said: “No specifics at this point.”
The spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, Mr. Patrick Onyango, said they had no information of the suspects ‘ arrest and whereabouts.
“I’m aware of the operation. But we only played a supportive role. For more details call Afande Karemire,” Mr Onyango said.
The arrest comes two weeks after the meeting in Angola between President Museveni and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame and agreed to address the problems that triggered the Uganda-Rwanda standoff.
Among the issues raised by Rwanda is the Ugandan security forces ‘ alleged arrest of their citizens, a claim that Uganda has flatly dismissed. Rwanda claims to have imprisoned more than 100 of its people in Uganda’s military cells.
Two Rwandans recognized in May as Ishimwe Bosose and Peter Sanvura were detained in a Kamwezi church in Rukiga District on allegations that they were spying security operatives.
Two days after Rwandan troops murdered two people on Ugandan territory, they were detained, prompting Uganda to write to Kigali a diplomatic note of protest.
