David Bahati, the minister of State in charge of trade, has explained why the Rwanda is still blocking Ugandans from accessing her side of the Katuna (Gatuna) border point.
On January 28, President Paul Kagame’s Rwandan government announced it would reopen the Katuna (Gatuna) border point this week. (Read story here).
(You can also check out photos on the new look of Katuna (Gatuna) border point following its renovation here).
But on Monday, there were reports that some Ugandans had been blocked from crossing over to Rwanda through the Katuna border point.
During Tuesday’s plenary, MPs sought clarity on the reopening of the border as well as guidance on what Ugandans should expect.
Opposition whip John Baptist Nambeshe (Manjiya – NUP) said: “The communication we are getting is confusing. As people travel, they are again meeting restrictions. We do not know whether it [the border] is partially opened, restricted to cargo or there are categories of essential and non-essential travelers.”
Busia Municipality’s Geoffrey Macho added: “I request that East African leaders and the people they send put everything in writing. We don’t want to stay in the guessing state.”
In response, state minister for industry, David Bahati, confirmed that cabinet had discussed the restrictions at the border point of Katuna.
Minister Bahati also confirmed that access the Rwandan side of the Katuna border was still limited to cargo.
He added that Kigali had continued to enforce Covid19 travel restrictions along her borders.
“The President briefed us in the cabinet meeting; the opening happened [on January 31] but the side of Rwanda is only open for cargo because they are still observing Covid-19 procedures on all their borders,” said Bahati.
