Uganda has let go of 13 Rwandan nationals who were previously detained in Ugandan prisons, a move to ease the tensions between the neighbouring countries. The release of the Rwandan nationals is a follow-up action to an agreement that was signed in August in Luanda.

The 13 were paraded at the Kampala  Serena Hotel in a ceremony led by Uganda’s Foreign Minister, Sam Kutesa.

They include Rene Rene Rutagungira’s wife, Hyacinthe Dusengeyezu. Rene was released last month.

Others are Ntirushwa Maboko, Jean Bosco Habogisha and Narcise Ukwigezi. They were deported for espionage and security related 2019 and came back to Uganda where they were re-arrested together with their wives Ansiira Ukwitegeste (wife of Ntirushwa), Christine Mukamazima (wife of Habomugisha).

Other who were in detention on suspicion of being involved in criminal activities and repeated offenders are Eric Penzi (human trafficking), Alphone Ahokuremeye, Bosco Gitifu, John Bosco Mugisha and Jonathan Ngaruye.

Kutesa said Uganda expects Rwanda to reciprocate the good gesture by addressing the concerns Uganda has raised within the Luada framework.

President Museveni of Uganda and Paul Kagame of Rwanda signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Angola geared at easing the tensions. The two presidents are set to meet on February 21 at the Katuna border which was closed by Rwanda for further discussions.