The business community at Katuna border post in Kabale, Rwanda, is facing significant challenges despite the recent reopening of the border. The border, which was closed for three years, was reopened for cargo trucks and passenger vehicles last year after negotiations between Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and President Paul Kagame. However, traders are still experiencing hurdles, including restrictions on Rwandans crossing into Uganda to buy household items. This has severely impacted the local economy, with traders calling for further negotiations to revive cross-border trade.
The chairperson of Katuna Traders Association, Franko Korinako, expressed concerns about the current state of trade between Rwanda and Uganda. Korinako appealed to Gen Kainerugaba to further negotiate with the Rwandan authorities to allow citizens in the border community to freely enter Uganda to buy household items. This restriction has significantly affected the livelihoods of traders and locals who depend on cross-border trade. The traders are hopeful that Gen Kainerugaba's intervention will help resolve these issues and restore the thriving trade that once existed.
A section of clearing agents at Katuna border post in Kabale also decried the restrictions involved in exporting local goods from Uganda into Rwanda. The vice chairperson of Katuna Border Clearing Agents Association, Stephen Kiwanuka, appealed to the Ugandan government to decentralize services of document processing. This would allow for easy exportation of perishable goods, such as Irish Potatoes, which are currently facing significant challenges due to bureaucratic processes.
The current export process requires local traders to obtain an export permit and certificate of analysis from Kampala, which can be difficult to obtain. Clearing agents believe that simplifying the local export entry process, similar to what is done on Malaba and Busia borders for traders exporting to Kenya, would greatly benefit local traders. The single customs tertiary entry demanded at Gatuna border post by Rwandan officials is not favoring local traders, leading to calls for a more streamlined process.
Despite the challenges, a section of leaders from Kigezi, led by the Kabale District chairperson Nelson Nshangabasheija, are planning a thanksgiving ceremony to celebrate the re-opening of Katuna border. The function, to be held at Kigezi High School lower playground in Kabale Town, will have Gen Kainerugaba as the guest of honor. This ceremony is a testament to the efforts made so far to restore trade between Rwanda and Uganda.
The reopening of the Gatuna border post has been a significant milestone in the relations between Rwanda and Uganda. Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba's negotiations with President Paul Kagame played a crucial role in this development. However, more needs to be done to address the concerns of traders and ensure that cross-border trade is fully restored. The business community remains hopeful that further negotiations will lead to a more favorable trade environment.
The impact of the border closure was felt not only by traders but also by the local community, who relied on cross-border trade for their livelihoods. The revival of trade has brought relief to many, but the current restrictions are still a major challenge. As stakeholders continue to engage with authorities, the hope is that a lasting solution will be found to facilitate smooth trade between Rwanda and Uganda.
Key points
- Traders at Katuna border post appeal to Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to negotiate revival of cross-border trade between Rwanda and Uganda.
- Clearing agents call for decentralization of document processing services to facilitate export of perishable goods.
- Local leaders plan thanksgiving ceremony to celebrate re-opening of Katuna border.
