Army Chief to Border Communities: No Need To Go To Uganda For services
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Rwanda Defence Forces Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Patrick Nyamvumba has told communities on border with Uganda that all services they need are being delivered, and that more will come.
Since Monday, the military, using its specialists, has been providing specialised medical treatments to people in Burera district, which directly borders Kisoro district of Uganda. The program is part of RDF’s Community Outreach Program.
In Burera alone, more than 800 have been treated of different ailments such as back problems, ear infections and sight problems.
“I am aware that you have been seeking some services from neighbouring countries, which are going to be provided because you deserve them,” said Gen Nyamvumva, to the community.
He added: “All the services you have received [this week] are done in the interest of the people, because the torture people face is of concern to us.”
“[This outreach program] is meant to ensure your welfare since good health is what gives you the energy to engage in productive activities.”
Uganda and Rwanda are in a standoff which started on February 28. Kigali accuses Uganda of what it has described as “three outstanding issues”.
They have been publicly outlined by President Kagame as: support to individuals and groups including RNC of Kayumba Nyamwasa and “P5″─ groups focused on fighting the Rwandan government; arresting, torturing and deporting Rwandans as well as economic sabotage.
As counter action, Rwanda stopped its nationals from traveling to Uganda – saying it cannot allow them to go there since it cannot guarantee their security.
At the same time, however, border communities had been depending so much on the other side of the border in Uganda for things like medical care, especially for those with no health insurance.
Various arms of the state have camped in the border areas to provide everything the locals may have needed from Uganda.
Gen Nyamvumba was in Burera district with Health Minister Dr Diane Gashumba
