Rwanda Opens Gatuna-Katuna Border Post With Uganda

Rwanda and Uganda have mutually agreed to reopen the Gatuna-Katuna border post on 31st January 2022. 

The border was closed in February 2019 after Rwanda issued an advisory to its citizens warning them against travelling to Uganda over security concerns. 

Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the truce was after President Paul Kagame hosted Uganda’s Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. 

“The Government of Rwanda has taken note that there is progress to solve issues raised by Rwanda as well as commitments made by the Government of Uganda to address remaining obstacles,” the statement reads in part.

“The Government of Rwanda remains committed to ongoing efforts to resolve pending issues between Rwanda and Uganda and believe todays’ (Thursday) announcement will contribute to the speedy normalisation of relations between the two countries,” The Ministry said in a statement. 

https://twitter.com/UgandaMFA/status/1487075829641269257?s=20&t=hUf9n4omdWlZguXD-qUU7Q

The East African Community Secretariat on Friday applauded the efforts being made towards reopening the Gatuna-Katuna border post. 

“The move is a reflection of the deep commitment and existing goodwill among the EAC Heads of State to widen and deepen cooperation in the bloc, particularly as the Community expands with the anticipated entry of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” EAC Secretary General Hon. (Dr.) Peter Mathuki said. 

“Re-opening this strategic trade route is in line with the provisions of the EAC Common Market Protocol and is set to accelerate economic and social development of the Partner States by reviving the free movement of goods, persons, capital and labour,” said Dr Mathuki.

The re-opening of the border is set to spark social and economic activities and also benefit the informal cross-border traders who rely on the two Partner States for the supply and market of their goods.

It will also fast-track the operationalization of the Gatuna-Katuna One-Stop Border Post and in turn, reduce the cost of doing business across East Africa.