Rwanda, Uganda hold talks on border security

KIGALI - Rwanda’s Minister of Local government, James Musoni, Thursday met and held talks with a Ugandan delegation led by the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Matia Kasaija. Addressing the participants, Musoni recommended an established framework to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. “These would provide opportunities and new orientation in cooperation of both countries,” he said. He called upon the two countries to keep working together as both are interdependent and inseparable from each other, and keep exploring all the possible opportunities of cooperation at whatever cost since isolation does not provide any solution and actual separation is not possible. Musoni highlighted positive developments that have taken place since the previous sub-commission meeting in Kigali, such as both countries belonging to the East African Community and Commonwealth. During the meeting it was acknowledged that border districts have not been meeting at higher levels (District Levels), but had local arrangements in which lower level meetings take place. The forum discussed several issues concerning governance and border security of both countries which included Local government issues, Common border and immigration, Justice, Security Refugees, Livestock Movement, Border Demarcation and as well as emerging Issues. Kasaija emphasized the need to follow up on agreed positions and called upon all actors to take charge of the responsibilities assigned. He reiterated the need to regularize monthly meetings as a way of following up and ensuring the implementation of decisions made, and the need to respect action plans and timelines drawn. “Minister Kasaija hailed the warm and excellent relations between the two countries that should be maintained,” the statement reads. The meeting recommended the establishment of a joint mobilization campaign by May 2010 to sensitize Rwandan refugees for voluntary repatriation, and Rwanda will submit a comprehensive strategy to Uganda for consideration. The Rwandan delegation once again expressed their gratitude to Uganda for supporting Rwanda on the cessation clause during the 60th EXCOM meeting in Geneva in October 2009. At the forum the participants maintained the position that temporary movement permits/border passes be issued only to people residing in border districts for a period of 30 days with no geographical limitations. The forum that was concluded on Friday was attended by the delegates from both countries. Ends