Rwanda and Uganda Police forces have recommitted to reignite the existing bilateral initiatives to combat cross-border crimes including deportation or extradition of fugitives in either country.
The two forces reaffirmed their commitment on February 17 in their meeting held at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) headquarters in Kacyiru.
The meeting aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two neighbouring forces, review the implementation of the previous resolutions and lay further strategies against cross-border security challenges affecting the two countries.
The sixth meeting between the two friendly forces since 2012, was co-chaired by the Inspector General of Police RNP, Emmanuel K. Gasana and Uganda’s Deputy IGP, Okoth Ochola and attended by heads of various departments including CID, Intelligence, Interpol and Traffic among others, from both Rwanda and Uganda.
“This is another step towards sustainable peace and security of our people and the Northern corridor; crimes continue to emerge and we can’t remain in routine,” IGP Gasana noted.
“We need to harmonise training programmes, share what we believe will create a conducive environment for our people, be smarter and operate ahead of criminals,” he added.
He further emphasized the need to fight human trafficking jointly adding that Rwanda and RNP in particular is committed to this course.
Resolutions
During the meeting, the two forces, which appreciated the existing efforts in apprehending and extraditing criminal fugitives, agreed to enhance information exchange of information on criminal syndicates involved in the illicit production and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
RNP agreed to host a joint exercise play on disaster management in May, develop capabilities through joint training and share best practices and Commandants of police schools Directors of Training from the two countries to meet develop and harmonise generic training modules to prepare officers with necessary skills in line with the policing demands.
The issue of extending the Interpol communication tool – I-24/4 – to common border was also tackled and agreed upon to track criminals who commit offences and run to the either country.
Uganda’s DIGP, Ochola commended the achievements by the two countries pending issues need to be tackled to keep criminals in the check.
“We need to pursue collective skills development, share best practices and information exchange. I am convinced we are on the right track,” he observed.
RNP spokesperson CSP Celestin Twahirwa highlighted the achievements such as arrest and deportation of fugitives, joint planning and training and information exchange.
Last month, RNP handed to Uganda Police about Rwf8.5 million which was stolen and recovered in Rwanda. Uganda Police officers have also attained training from Rwanda including those who have attended the Senior Command and Staff Course at the National Police College in Musanze.
With the help of Interpol Kampala, 15 Rwandan girls, who are victims of human trafficking have been rescued since 2012 while a Ugandan girl was intercepted last year at Kigali international airport as she was being trafficked to Dubai.
Since the beginning of this year, Uganda has also deported two fugitives; Jean Paul Birindabagabo, a genocide fugitive andHassan Murasira, who was wanted for coning a man with US$27000 after selling him fake gold.
They also recovered 13 cows in the south Western district of Ntungamo which had been stolen from a farmer in Nyagatare district.
The next meeting will take place in Uganda at a date to be determined.
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