By Hanning Mbabazi
Kisoro: Ugandan security forces are investigating allegations that a man only identified as Emmanuel Sebuzuru, 55, a driver for Horizon Bus Company based in Kisoro district, was arrested on Wednesday at Cyanika border post by Rwandan security agencies.
The Kisoro District Resident District Commissioner Peter Mugisha on Friday said he had received news that Sebuzuru had been arrested in Rwanda, although his office hadn’t been briefed with details about his arrest. “It’s not true that the bus manager was kidnapped from Uganda, he was tricked to cross to Rwanda where he was arrested. The cause of his arrest is not clear,” Mugisha said. Joseph Muhoozi, the Nyakinama sub-county councilor and elder brother of Sebuzuru, said security agents in Rwanda assured them that he would be released but the promise has not been honored to date. “Some sources say he has been transferred from the border holding cells to Kigali. We appeal to Ugandan authorities especially the ambassador of Uganda to Rwanda to help us locate where our relative is being detained and the crime he committed,” Muhoozi said. He added that the family of Sebuzuru in Businga village, Kisoro district, is stranded since their bread winner is in detention in Rwanda. However, Rwanda’s ambassador to Uganda Maj. Gen. Frank Mugambage said on Friday that he is not aware of the incident.
“I am not aware at all,” Gen Mugambage said. The Cyanika Traders’ Association chairperson Geoffrey Barore Nombe said that “It’s true Sebuzuru. On the unfortunate day, Sebuzuru crossed the border line and went to Rwanda to collect money for the company and bank it. But while returning, he was arrested with Shs5 million and questioned by Rwanda security officials why he was moving with a lot of money. He was thereafter detained.” Mugisha said he is touch with other security organs in the district and they are jointly following up the matter. However, other sources indicate that Sebuzuru had been wanted by Rwandan security for facilitating Rwanda National Congress (RNC), a rebel group led by Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa. Nombe said that on Thursday evening, Sebuzuru was transferred from the border post to Kigali for further questioning. According to traders, the arrest is an indication that Ugandans who still cross to Rwanda put their lives at risk.
