Ugandans and neighbours in Rwanda today officially resume trade at the Katuna border, after three years of deadlock since February 27, 2019. The Gatuna border post is the main transit point for the flow of goods and people between the neighbouring countries.
The official opening happens today January , 31, and at Katuna a few truck drivers can be seen awaiting clearance before moving.
By 3:00 am, a scanner from Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) registration number UBK 998T was positioned at the no man’s land on the Ugandan side. Another truck registration number UAY 634S parked on the Ugandan’s side waiting to cross to Rwanda.
There is also a tent that will host Ugandan health officials who will conduct COVID-19 testing for people crossing the border.
The Rwandan government finally agreed to re-open its border with Uganda, following an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in Rwanda.
The statement indicated that the promise to reopen followed the visit by Lieutenant General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Senior Presidential Adviser on Special Operations and Commander Land Forces to Kigali to meet the President Paul Kagame for peace talks.
“Following the visit to Rwanda of Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Senior Presidential Adviser on Special Operations and Commander Land Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) on January 22, 2022, the government of Rwanda has taken note that there is a process to solve issues raised by Rwanda, as well as commitments made by the Government of Uganda to address remaining obstacles.