Rwanda National Police (RNP) has confirmed the shooting of one Jack Turyahikayo, who was part of a group of five smugglers coming from Uganda through Nyagatare District, Eastern Province. The deceased, Police said, was shot down last week on Tuesday, January 17 after security forces were forced to quell down the violent smugglers at around 8:25 pm in Tabagwe village. According to Police, the smugglers were illegally taking two sacks of commercial items along a porous route known as Mukaragira. When intercepted by border security personnel, they however, resisted and became violent. Turyahikayo alias Rwakigizi went on to attack patrol on duty but was stopped before he could cause harm. The other four whose identities were not fully established, managed to flee back to Uganda. Police also confirmed that his body was taken to Gatunda hospital for further management, while the smuggled goods were taken to Tabagwe Police station. His body was on Monday, January 23, officially handed over to the family currently residing in Rukiga District, Kamwezi Sub-county in Uganda. Police has since condemned any form of smuggling along the border, particularly citing the current bilateral cooperation development between both countries. Kigali recently handed over 41 cows smuggled to Rwanda by Ugandans, with 39 given back to Kamwezi while the other 3 were handed back to Ntungamo.
