KIGALI  - In a move to voluntary repatriate Rwandan refugees, Rwanda and Uganda have agreed to set up a joint mobilisation campaign to sensitize refugees on the benefits of returning home.

This was resolved at Uganda-Rwanda Governance Security Border meeting that was concluded over the weekend in Mbarara, Uganda.

Speaking to The New Times, the Minister of Local Government, James Musoni, said that UNHCR established a roadmap that will see the year 2011 end with the cessation clause requiring refugees to return home.

"There is no reason why Rwandans are still living in exile because there are no conditions in the country that force them to live as refugees in other countries,” Musoni said.

He added that during the sensitization campaign, the refugees will be highlighted on the political, social and economic situations prevailing in Rwanda.

He noted that Rwandan refugees who would not wish to be repatriated opt for another status or else be considered illegal migrants.

"If they (refugees) want to stay and do business in Uganda they should stay there but not be considered Rwandan refugees, because we no longer want Rwandans who are living abroad to be called refugees,” Musoni explained.

"I don’t know why Rwandan citizens should stay in Uganda as refugees, when their country is stable”.

It is reported that Rwandan refugees living in several countries in the world will lose their status if they fail to voluntarily return home before 2011Cessation Clause Roadmap.

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