VIDEO: DP appeals to EAC to intervene in Uganda, Rwanda row

The Democratic Party has called for the intervention of the East African Community in the row between two of its key members, Uganda and Rwanda

Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Kenneth Kakande, the party's publicity secretary said the conflict could escalate and affect trade among the two countries.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CE14uwlSBI

He said one of the reasons for the conflict is because Uganda lacks a well laid down foreign policy.

"We are wondering whether as a country, Uganda has a foreign policy. We are talking about a foreign policy that is not just the opinion of the president; that what he decides and wishes to do becomes the country's policy," Kakande said.

Kakande said, it’s high time the East African Community, the regional grouping that brings together six countries, intervenes to save the situation.

We call on East African Community to which both countries are member to rein in and stop being conspicuously silent about the impasse," he said.

He said the standoff had gravely affected local traders who transact business across the two countries.

The party called upon Kampala to act quickly.

"We know that President Museveni and Kagame are old friends so they should use this historical friendship to strengthen the good relationship between the countries," Kakande said.

Ever since Rwanda closed its border last week, officials from the two countries have engaged in verbal attacks, each accusing the other of undermining their sovereignty.

Condemns attack on Besigye

DP also condemned the actions of some youth who heckled Dr Kizza Besigye over the weekend as he left CBS Studios.

"The Democratic Party condemns in the strongest terms the heckling incident which occurred last weekend Saturday on Dr. Kiiza Besigye. When the president of DP Norbert Mao comes back into the country, he will call Dr. Besigye and Bobi Wine and talk to them," he said.