Three Ugandans were arrested in Rwanda's Northern Province on Thursday after allegedly crossing into the country to sell sorghum in a market.

The three, who hail from Kabale District, were arrested at Kivuye market and detained at Burera District police headquarters, according to a relative who spoke to the Daily Monitor.

An official of Kabale's Rubaya sub-county, Saime Twesigwome, said that five other Ugandans who were also selling sorghum in the same market ran away back into Uganda through porous border points. According to Twesigwome, sorghum is currently in high demand in Rwanda.

The incident comes less than two weeks after Uganda handed over nine Rwandans to Rwanda's High Commission and Immigration Office following their release by a court-martial in Kampala.

Following their release, Uganda said that it hoped Rwanda will reciprocate the act of goodwill.

A diplomatic feud between the two countries last year led Rwanda to stop most cross-border movements in February. The closing at the Gatuna border point severely impacted commerce and daily life for thousands of people on both sides.

Since then, several Ugandans have been arrested by Rwandan authorities as relations between the two countries soured.

Earlier this month, four Ugandans were deported from Rwanda following their arrest and detention for a week.

In November last year, five Ugandans, accused of smuggling Irish potatoes and sorghum, were also detained for a week and subsequently deported to Uganda.

However, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni recently pledged a new beginning and vowed to restore relations between both nations.

Source: Daily Monitor