CYANIKA -A member of the so-called Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) militia, who was arrested as he entered Uganda via Bunagana border post, has been handed over to Rwandan authorities.

Corporal Eric Ngabonziza, who was part of the rebel group operating in the Rutshuru, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was arrested last month by Ugandan authorities and detained, before he was repatriated on Monday.

He was handed over by the Ugandan Resident District Commissioner, Kisoro District, Hajji Ahmed M. Doka, and the Kisoro District Police Commander.

Ngabonziza, who was dressed in a yellow shirt and black jeans with open shoes, said that he left Rwanda in 1994, at the age of 13. He joined the rebels in 1999 where he served until May 2010.

He was received by the authorities from Burera District, who included the Mayor, Samuel Sembagari, and the Regional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent, Peter Hodari.

"I’m happy to be back, I want to reunite with my family and start a new life,’’ Ngabonzinza said.

Speaking at Cyanika border, Hajji Doka, dismissed recent media reports alleging that Rwanda had deployed troops along the border with Uganda. 

"We want to promote cross border meetings, share development ideas, and promote mutual friendship and business,” he said.

"These media reports of tension are baseless and should be ignored.”

Sembagari, commended the Ugandan authorities for the mutual cooperation, which he said, had helped ensure security along the borders.

He, however, said that whereas there is free movement among border residents, Rwandans involved in the insurgency in the Democratic Republic of Congo need to be helped to return home.

Corporal Ngabonziza, will be taken to Mutobo Demobilization and Reintegration centre for a two-month reintegration course before he joins his family in Gatsata, Nyarugenge District. 

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