Over 5,000 Rwandans living in Uganda are expected to participate in the voting exercise scheduled for August 8, the Rwanda High Commission in Uganda has said.

Rwandans living in the Diaspora will go to the polls on August 8 to give them a chance to participate in their day to day work on August 9, which will be the official elections day in Rwanda.

"We are expecting over 5,000 people to turn up for the exercise,” the High Commission’s First Counselor, Dan Mutezintare, told reporters at a press conference yesterday.

The High Commissioner to Uganda, Frank Mugambage, was upbeat that the number may rise due to circumstances where a Rwandan in transit from another country may decide to stop and participate in the exercise.

He said that his office, like required by the law, would strictly go by the national voters register to help deter any possible anomalies.

"We are prepared, we have the voters’ register, so we have catered for all situations that may arise in the number of voters turning up,” he said.

Asked which categories of people will be allowed to vote, Mugambage underscored that Rwanda accepts dual citizenship, and that Rwandans with different nationalities will be eligible to vote.

"You could be a Canadian and Rwandan and you live in Uganda, when you come here to register, we shall register you because it’s your right and responsibility as a Rwandan,” he said

"When we talk about Rwandans in the Diaspora, you must be aware that Rwanda has a policy of dual citizenship. It’s not only a policy; it’s in the Constitution.”

Mugambage added that the Ugandan government was duly informed and will provide security to ensure the smooth running of the elections.

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