Rwanda-Uganda Border Closes Again

The Rwanda-Uganda border post at Katuna is closed again, following a two-week period in which it was opened in order for trials for the movement of trucks to be conducted. During its opening assessments of the operationalization of the constructed works and equipment was conducted as work to establish a single customs post advances.

The border has been closed since February and Rwandans are not allowed to cross into Uganda. Rwandan officials have accused the authorities in Uganda of abducting citizens and locking them up. Ugandan traders have been advised to use the Cyanika and Kagitumba border posts to travel into Rwanda.

Earlier this month the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) installed a mobile cargo scanner at the Katuna Border post to guard against illegal declarations.

The border closure has resulted in an 85 per cent fall in Uganda’s export earnings to Rwanda. It is hoped that the trials will pave the way for the permanent re-opening of the border. However, the Rwanda-Burundi border has been closed for two years as a result of a standoff between the two countries.