Ramson

Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja met leaders of The Association of Ugandans in Rwanda while on her visit to the country.  Ugandans living and working in Rwanda revealed they are having a number of challenges by virtue of not being citizens of the East African nation. The Association of Ugandans in Rwanda has so far registered over 7000 Ugandans.

The Prime Minister of Uganda hon. Robinah Nabbanja was in Kigali Rwanda to meet the association of Ugandans living in Rwanda. The association was launched in 2009 and has over 7000 registered members. Uganda’s Deputy Ambassador to Rwanda, Amb. Margaret Kedisi who welcomed the Prime Minister together with other members of the association noted that she is impressed with the growth of the relationship between the two countries. While addressing Ugandans in Rwanda, the prime minister assured them of government commitment to develop the country starting with several interventions.

She acknowledges receipt of complaints from the Ugandan community in Rwanda.

According to Hajji Issa Bogere, the chairman of the association of Ugandans in Rwanda many Ugandans are facing challenges ranging from work permits, lack of access to loans and heavy fines.

Bogere says that they are happy that Uganda and Rwanda now have good and cordial relationships and they are optimistic that this will help them flourish in business.

The deputy ambassador to Uganda Amb Margaret Kedisi commends the progress in relations between Uganda and Rwanda noting that they are improving by the day. He assured Ugandans that these relations are to be strengthened even more.

Fred Ssendawula, the speaker of the Association appreciates Rwandan authorities for hosting them. He says that over 200 Ugandans are incarcerated in prisons in Rwanda and appealed to the prime minister to work hand in hand with the government and find immediate solutions to this problem.

Ssendawula, adds that the association appreciates the government of Uganda and President Museveni in particular for the work being done in Uganda.

Dr. Andrew Sseguya, an official working with tourists in the countries of Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo who was in attendance says that Uganda needs to invest more in the tourism sector because it boosts the economy.

Ugandans running businesses in Rwanda and possessing valid visas are being prevented by the Rwanda Revenue Authority from using their personal vehicles with Ugandan Number plates within the country beyond three months from the date of last entry. These vehicles are blocked from re-entering the country.

Ugandans in Rwanda are therefore asking the government of Uganda to liaise with their counterparts in Rwanda to adopt a system used by other EAC countries which enables the authorities to renew permits held by the vehicle owners upon re-entry. 

The premier assured Ugandans in Rwanda that the government has created an enabling environment for investment and promised to address the issues raised.

The Prime Minister earlier in the day visited the Kigali Genocide memorial site where she called for the harmonious co-existence of all mankind.