Who Are These Refugees?
May be this armed refugees now infiltrating Uganda border in the south are
but an advance party of Kagame's forces sent to reck the area, before
Kagame deployes HEAVLY!!!
Matek
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New Vision (Kampala)
EDITORIAL
January 13, 2003
Posted to the web January 13, 2003
Kampala
THERE are reports that tension is building up at the Uganda-Tanzania border
due to the presence of armed Rwandese refugees roaming the borderline along
the Kagera Salient.
While their exact numbers are not yet known, the presence of armed refugees
on our common border is a worrisome development that should not be taken
lightly. Given the volatility of the Great Lakes region, the issue of armed
refugees, if not handled properly, could have grave security implications for
the entire region.
According to reports, the Tanzanian government has established military
patrols along the border, while Uganda has banned all Rwandese refugees from
transiting through Bugango, in Bukanga county, Mbarara district. The refugees
have been directed to use official immigration points at Kikagati and
Mutukula.
The Tanzanian and Ugandan governments should be commended for the measures
they have put in place to handle this latest refugee problem. The UNHCR and
regional governments must establish who these people are, where they are
coming from and where they got the guns from.
This region has already had enough trouble stemming from the activities of
armed refugees and this latest development should be nipped in the bud before
it develops into a bigger problem. The authorities in Tanzania, Uganda and
Rwanda must fully cooperate in resolving this issue. The region, including
Rwanda, needs a break from insecurity caused by marauding armed gangs, that
characterised the 1990s.
Uganda has always welcomed and acted a home for thousands of refugees from
almost all its neighbours. This accommodative policy is not about to change.
But those seeking refuge in Uganda should not abuse the hospitality accorded
to them by acting without due regard to the law.
