A recent editorial in the Ugandan publication, The Monitor, titled: “Get border peace talks back on track” was an impassioned appeal to leaders of both Uganda and Rwanda to bury the hatchet, implement the Kigali MoU and reopen Gatuna border post. They based their plea on the fact that border communities, especially on the Ugandan side, were hurting economically. But The Monitor was very economical with the truth because the MoU was very specific on what should be done for both parties to begin on a clean slate. Top on the list was the hundreds of Rwandans being held illegally be released or produced in Court. Both parties were called upon to stop economic sabotage and refrain from actions that destabilise the other’s territory. In fact, what the MoU was asking was aimed at Uganda because Rwanda does not hold any Ugandans illegally, it does not impound Uganda’s exports, nor does it support forces that have vowed to destabilise Uganda; the MoU was one-sided list of grievances. It was signed on August 23 with the understanding that the next round would be held in Uganda 30 days later. More than two months have elapsed. The question one should ask is why Uganda did not call for the meeting within the stipulated timeframe, implement what was needed. The Monitor ought to have appealed to the Ugandan government to implement the MoU. Right now the ball is in Uganda’s court, it has it within its powers to end this standoff and all that is needed is political will.
