Rwanda and Uganda ratchet up war of words

KAMPALA - A diplomatic row between Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame is showing little sign of abating.

Over the weekend the two leaders - who have traded accusations of interfering in each other’s affairs in a row which eventually led to the closure of their shared border - once more traded harsh words.

The Rwandan leader accuses President Museveni of providing a haven for people opposed to President Kagame, a claim he denies.

“When I hear somebody say no one can destabilise their country, I agree. No one should actually be destabilising that country but that country should not also be destabilising others,” President Kagame said in an apparent response to comments made by President Museveni.

The Ugandan leader had earlier warned that anyone trying to destabilise his country would not succeed.

“Uganda is stable. 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,” he said.

In the past, the two leaders have been quick to downplay the tensions between their countries, often leaving any public row to their officials and supporters.

Museveni did not direct his comments to any particular group or individual.

But Kagame appears to have seen them as a warning to him.

He said he had given up “begging” Uganda to listen to his complaints about militant groups operating in Uganda and the mistreatment of Rwandan citizens.

“You can shoot me with a gun and kill me. But there is one thing that is impossible; no one can bring me to my knees,” Kagame said.