The continuous threats and sounding of war drums by the Presidents Yoweri Museveni and Paul Kagame is not good for ordinary citizens who will be the ultimate victims if Uganda and Rwanda go to war, the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has said.
According to FDC spokesman Ssemujju Nganda, in a bid to stop the two countries from fighting each other, his party will open diplomatic communication with the Kigali.
“Museveni likes violence unfortunately even in old age, because old people tend to be reconciliatory in nature. At 74 if you’re still sounding war drums really? At 74, which war can Museveni fight at his age? This should be done by children, people who are young. Those who fought in Luweero were young, fresh from the universities. Now a 74-year-old is saying he wants to lead a war against those who want to destabilize Uganda. May be I will make the same plea, if Museveni still has some energy in him, we can deploy him in Somalia because that is where there’s a war. Let him not invite war unto Uganda,” Ssemujju is quoted by local news outlet Observer.
Ssemujju’s remarks follow the boiling tension between the two neighbouring countries.
Two weeks ago, Rwanda closed Gatuna border, and followed that up with allegations that Uganda is hosting and aiding dissidents as well as arresting and torturing its citizens.
Foreign Affairs minister Richard Sezibera also issued a travel advisory, banning Rwandans from entering Uganda.
The two leaders over the weekend ‘exchanged words’ a million miles apart.
In Kampala, President Museveni said, “Uganda is now stable and I have said before that those who try to destabilise our country do not know our capacity. It is big. Once we mobilise, you cannot survive if you are a trouble-maker.”
Kagame quickly responded with: “When I hear somebody say ‘no one can destabilise our country,’ I agree. No one should actually be destabilising that country, but that country should also not be destabilising others. I think it is fair deal, isn’t? Yes, it is a fair statement that when you’re another country no-one can destabilise your country, I agree with it 100 per cent. But in the same breadth, why should you be the one to destabilize other countries.”
Ssemujju argued that the presidnet should be talking in a reconciliatory tone rather than sounding war drums. He said wars and fought and won by youthful commanders
“For the good of ordinary Ugandans, Ssemujju said the ‘People’s Government foreign affairs minister’, Atkins Katusabe will officially write to Rwanda counterpart, Richard Sezibera seeking an understanding of the issues. If they get a response, he said it will be sent to Inter-Religious Council, requesting them to cause dialogue between the Uganda and Rwanda leaders. The letter, Ssemujju said, will be sent this week.
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