There is confusion and tension mounting at the Katuna Uganda-Rwanda border after Rwandan authorities decided to block any Ugandan trucks from entering or exiting the country.
Tensions started mounting on Wednesday evening when Rwanda's Security barred trucks from crossing to either side of the border. However, this morning Rwandan security officials also stopped buses carrying passengers from crossing to either side leaving several traders, passengers and truck driver stranded at Katuna border.
One of the truck drivers identified as Abdul Lukwago, says he was driving to Kampala from Kigali but was stopped at Gatuna border on Wednesday evening to date. Lukwago says he was told by security that no trucks are allowed to cross to either Rwanda or Uganda, sayingthat none of the Rwanda security officials have given them any reason for the closure of the border.
The Chairperson Katuna Border Business Community Association, Franco Korinako, says that last week without reasons, Rwanda security officials barred Ugandan traders involved in the export of Bananas, flour, cement and soda from entering the country.
Also, Rwanda Security officials are said to have arrested a one Alex Karemeera a prominent money changer at Katuna border last week and is being detained in Kigali under unclear reasons. He adds that Karemera's relatives have been denied access to talk to him where he is being detained in Kigali.
According to Korinako, they are worried that this could result into a war between the two countries. He adds that both governments of Uganda and Rwanda should come out and explain what is happening. By this afternoon, hundreds of trucks were still parked at both sides of the borders.
