The trio is; Marie Jeanne Mukampunga from Burera district, Evariste Gatorano from Ngororero and Hakizimana Jean Damascene from Musanze district. Talking to IGIHE, they narrated their ordeal and faced persecution as they crossed to Uganda.
Gatorano explained they were arrested with 12 men but only two were released and could not trace where their colleagues are.
“I went to Uganda in July 2017 with one-week travel document. I was in a group of 13 Rwandans. We were arrested along the way. Our travel documents were taken and torn into pieces. They abused us and took us to the prison,” he said.
“They mistreated us and insulted us that we are stupid Hutus leaving our country led by Tutsis,” added Gatorano.
Marie Jeanne Mukampunga said she was illegally jailed on an accusation of motorcycle theft.
“I was working at a hotel and saw a client who came on a motorcycle with another person who didn’t enter the facilities. I served him. When he returned his motorbike had gone missing. He accused me to be behind the theft alleging that we, Rwandans are thieves. They took me to the police station, asked me whether I am Rwandan which I accepted,” she said.
“I was seriously beaten, took me to the prison when I was in critical condition. I have been released because of the ailments I developed from these beatings. I left someone in prison jailed for being Rwandan. In fact, we are a taboo on their land,” added Mukampunga.
Hakizimana narrated that he was arrested by officials who handed them travel documents to Uganda. They solicited money and took them to prison failing to provide requested money.
“They requested me Rwf 45,000. Failure to pay leads me to prison. They release someone having money; otherwise, they inform that you are subject to what Rwandans deserve. Hence, facing imprisonment and forced labor,” he said.
Rwanda has advised Rwandans not to cross to Uganda following torture, unfair imprisonment and deportation of Rwandans from Uganda until things are back to normal.
Leave a Reply