Officials from the districts of Burera (Rwanda) and Kisoro of Uganda have agreed to partner in cracking down on illicit drug traffickers along the common border, especially the locally brewed gin, Kanyanga, Chief Waragi and marijuana.

This was one of the resolutions from a recent cross-border meeting involving Burera District leaders, and a 10-person delegation from Kisoro led by LC 5 leader Milton Bazanye Mutabazi, held at Cyanika border post.

The products which are prohibited in Rwanda are manufactured in Kisoro before being sneaked into the country.

During the meeting, it was recommended that regular meetings were necessary to share information regarding criminals who cross the border seeking a safe haven.

"We want to promote bilateral cooperation with our brothers across the border. We discussed security issues affecting our people, and reinforce the issues of using legally acceptable travel documents at the border," Samuel Sembagari, Burera District Mayor disclosed.

The meeting resolved to establish a private sector forum for the business communities of both districts, which will discuss trade opportunities, challenges and advise authorities on necessary policies.

Kisoro officials observed that efforts by various stakeholders had been stepped up to arrest suspected killers of a Rwandan citizen identified as Joseph Habumuremyi, who was slain last month in a local bar in Kisoro town.