The Rwandan Government has announced that its border with Uganda at Gatuna shall reopen for business between Rwanda and Uganda from Monday 31st January 2022.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, the decision follows the visit to Rwanda of Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Senior Presidential Adviser on Special Operations and Commander of Land Forces of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) on 22nd January 2022.
Rwanda adds that it has taken note that there is a process to solve issues raised by Rwanda, as well as commitments made by the Government of Uganda to address remaining obstacles.
“In this regard and in line with the communiqué of the 4th Quadripartite Summit held at Gatuna/Katuna on 21st February 2020, the Government of Rwanda wishes to inform the public that the Gatuna border post between Rwanda and Uganda will be re-opened from 31st January 2022” part of the statement reads.
The statement adds that health authorities of Rwanda and Uganda will work together to put in place necessary measures to facilitate movement in the context of COVID-19.
“The Government of Rwanda remains committed to ongoing efforts to resolve pending issues between Rwanda and Uganda and believes that today’s announcement will contribute positively to the speedy
normalization of relations between the two countries.”
The squabble started on February 27th, 2019, when Rwanda closed its borders with Uganda in Katuna and Chanika in Kabale and Kisoro districts respectively. Initially, Rwanda claimed it had closed the borders to work on the Onestop border post.
However, Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Richard Sezibera issued a travel advisory to their nationals strongly cautioning them against traveling to Uganda, saying their safety isn’t guaranteed.
He later accused Uganda of harboring Rwandan dissidents planning to topple the Kigali government under President, Paul Kagame. Rwandan security also destroyed temporary bridges erected by residents to help them cross to both countries.