Rwanda detains another Ugandan businessman

Uganda is engaging Rwandan security over the release of a 37-year-old Ugandan businessman Laban Kakiza. 

Kakiza, a resident of Kakamba village in Kibanda parish was arrested by Rwandan security operatives on April 17, 2023 after legally crossing into Rwanda to conduct business after clearing with immigration and customs at the Kamwezi border.

However, upon his return on the same day, he was arrested on the Rwandan side and taken into custody. Jackson Muganiizi, a resident of Kibanda parish, has expressed concern over the lack of information regarding Kakiza’s detention, fearing it may sabotage trade between Ugandan and Rwandan locals in the area.

Rukiga deputy resident district commissioner, Zadock Kamusiime said Monday that security is aware of Kakiza’s arrest in Rwanda. Kamusiime stated that security authorities are working to engage their Rwandan counterparts to determine the reasons for Kakiza’s detention.

Ugandan security authorities suspect that he could be accused of suspected human trafficking. This comes after the shooting and killing of 50-year-old Jack Turyahikayo alias Rwakigizi, a businessman and resident of Karera village Kashekye parish in Kamwezi sub-county, by Rwandan authorities on January 17, 2023, about 30 meters into Ugandan soil.