‘Arrest’ of Ugandagovtofficial linked to Uganda-Rwanda relations
The whereabouts of a Uganda government official remain unknown two days after he was picked up by security personnel inwhat sources say are matters linked to relations with Rwanda.
ObedKatureebe,a public affairs officer at the Uganda Media Centre (UMC, a government bureau that coordinates information flow between ministries and other state agencies, was picked up by Ugandan security operatives at his home inKyanja, a Greater Kampala suburb, on Monday.
His family has since been unable to reach him.
Without giving any details, the UMC bossOfwonoOpondoon Tuesday tweeted: “Obedis under security protection because of threats allegedly against his person details of which am yet to be provided with. I have been assured that he’s safe and not under arrest.”
MrKatureebehas been on the radar of the Rwandan government, which accuses him, alongside other elements in Uganda, of engaging in hateful media propaganda that is critical of the PaulKagameadministration.
Relations between Uganda and Rwanda deteriorated in 2017 when Kigali accused itsneighbourofharbouringgroups hostile to it and torturing innocent Rwandans on its soil.
Katureebe’s detention could signal progress of relations between the two countries, which have been on the mend since the start of this year with the involvement of Uganda’s First Son and Commander of Land Forces Lt GenMuhooziKainerugabamaking two trips to Kigali.
GenMuhoozi’sefforts have largely paid off, resulting in President Paul Kagame visiting Kampala last month – the first time in four years – to attend Muhoozi’s muchpublicisedbirthday party on April 24.
Muhoozi’strips have also resulted in the removal of key Uganda PeoplesDefenceForces military officers that Rwanda said were behind the torture of its citizens, reopening ofGatunaborder post and release of Rwandan nationals, but full relations are yet tonormaliseas Kigali says some issues remain unresolved.
In addition, despite the reopening of the border in February, free movement of persons and goods is still restricted and only limited cargo trucks are allowed to cross the border.
