The government of Uganda has written to Rwanda in protest of the murder of two Ugandan traders that were recently shot dead by Rwandan soldiers.

The traders were identified as Job Ebyarishaga and Bosco Tuhirwe. They were killed at Tabagwe village in Nyagatare District in Rwanda on allegations of smuggling tobacco into Rwanda.

According to a statement released by the Ugandan government, “Rwandan soldiers were not right to use high handedness in dealing with the deceased traders over the alleged crime.”

“These murders are inimical to the ongoing efforts to improve relations between the two countries.”

The Ugandan government wants a joint investigation into the matter.

The Kigali administration said on Sunday that the two traders were shot in self-defence after they allegedly turned violent and assaulted police officers on duty.

However, government of Uganda spokesperson, Mr Ofwono Opondo said Tuesday that Kampala administration had written to Rwanda asking for a joint investigation into the said murders and also demanded that the perpetrators be held accountable.

The protest was delivered to Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Maj Gen. Frank Mugambage, by Ambassador Patrick Mugoya, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda.