Rwanda government has spoken out on the reported theft of President Paul Kagame's cell phone and confidential medical documents during a trip to Uganda.
The country's Ambassador to Uganda Gen. Frank Mugambage has a few minutes ago told our news desk that indeed there was something 'minor' stolen from Kagame's aides.
"Yes, something very minor belonging to the President's staff went missing," says Mugambage.
"But it's not true that Kagame's cell phone and documents were stolen. I think police and hotel staff are following up the matter," adds Mugambage.
"The media is hyping the issue. Why are you following it up? If President Kagame's phone was stolen, we would be pursuing the matter," he notes.
However, informed State House sources say a hi-tech mobile phone and tightly guarded medical documents belonging to Kagame were on Christmas day robbed from his suite at Mweya Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park by unknown people.
Kagame and his family members arrived in Uganda on December 23 for a five-day state visit. They spent the better part of their time at President Yoweri Museveni's upcountry home in Rwakitura, Kiruhuura district. It's very unclear how hotel staff could break through Kagame's security ring to walk away with his property.
Three suspects have been detained at Kasese police station.
Observers say if the lost item was 'minor' police would not be interested in the matter.
Security sources say Kagame surrounds himself with an "iron security ring."
During a trip to Kigali early this year, Museveni warned Kagame that Uganda was a hub of dangerous thieves.
The revelation could embarass Uganda's presidency at a time when Kagame and Museveni are working tooth and nail to mend fences after years of strained relations.
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Documents stolen from Kagame team
By ENID NINSIIMA
Unspecified documents belonging to However, by last evening there were still conflicting accounts on the incident. Some security sources yesterday indicated that the stolen documents, which reportedly included some electronics, belonged to President Kagame.
But a senior official speaking from Kigali Kigali
“It could have happened to Dr Gasakure because he does not enjoy the same security detail accorded to the president,” the source explained. He, however, added that the case was reported to the Ugandan authorities by the doctor and that President Kagame’s security team are not involved in pursuing the case.
Three arrested
At least three people were arrested by the police in Kasese on boxing day. The suspects are all employees of Mweya Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda
The Uganda
Kasese District Police Commander Moses Kafeero declined to acknowledge the arrest, but one of the suspects confirmed he was at police and recorded a statement. Daily Monitor has learnt that the case was registered as 59/25/12/11 at Kasese Police Station.
One of the suspects said: “I did not steal but I was there recording a statement on security matters.” The trio were released on Wednesday on police bond, police sources said. “We resolved to release them because there was no complainant after the arrest. Our investigations all doubted how these people could easily beat the presidential security to reach the property,” the police source said.
The source added that ever since President Kagame left on Monday, there was nobody following up the matter. Details of how the theft happened were also scanty but security sources in Rwanda
The motive of the theft has also not been established. President Kagame, his wife Jeannette, children Anse, Brian and Ian were welcomed by President Museveni and his wife Janet last Thursday at the Uganda-Rwanda border in Katuna. The two presidents launched the re-construction of Mbarara-Katuna-Kigali Road
The decision by President Kagame and his family to celebrate Christmas in Uganda Kampala Kigali Rwanda
Relations between Uganda Rwanda
In his remarks, President Museveni hailed the improved good relationship being enjoyed by the two countries since Rwanda
The briefcase or tote bag of Dr. Gasakure could contain a wealth of information.
ReplyDeleteThe drugs that were there would provide guidance on the health of the President, which under normal conditions “in Kigali”, amounts to state secrets. Given the posturing and fiery utterances of the President in these past recent weeks, there were certainly sedatives or barbiturates to help him sleep and avoid the rough nights too.
Even if the stolen items were recovered and returned, the Uganda’s “Mukhabarat” now know more about this gentleman who is, according to Madeleine Albright, the incarnation of the “new generation” of African leaders.
But history has its own reversals: The diagnosis of Dr. Albright is totally different from the more recent one from Dr. Susan Rice.
Finally, the mobile phone, which was not carried on (why?), must contain the phone numbers of his main contacts.
Despite all this, the courtiers of the President say there is no peril in the house!
This is the first time that Kagame feels vurnerable.
ReplyDeleteHe went to meet his best enemy Museveni for advice.
He must leave power as quickly as possible. His protectors have so decided.
He asked his enemy if Kabarebe might be appropriate, but Museveni said that it is too late for Kabarebe, a Tutsi and amorphous. He absolutely needs to find a candidate of Hutu origin as a replacement.
Reference was made to Bazivamo but Museveni said that Bazivamo is a troubadour of Kagame. He had also suggested Makuza as a second alternative, but since he is his own cousin, Museveni expressed many reservations about this candidate.
Then it was question to rehabilitate the candidate Ms Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza but she is not for sale. She is in a very good position to serve Kagame’s interests.
Kagame does not sleep because he thinks that the whole world is against him.
So who can now go on Kagame’s service? But of Hutu origin, according to Museveni!
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