Rwanda reopens Gatuna border for trial biz operation with Uganda

For the purpose of promoting trade, Rwanda has reopened Gatuna border post, a main route linking Rwanda to neighbouring Uganda, to heavy cargo trucks on Monday for trial operation.

According to Rwanda Revenue Authority, this will allow for trial activities following the construction of one-stop border post facilities on the Rwandan side of the border crossing.

“Reference is made to Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) letter dated 7th June 2019, which expresses the need to carry out trials for the heavy trucks movement at Gatuna OSBP for a period of two weeks from 10th up to 22nd June 2019, and assess the operationalization of the constructed works and equipment before the reception of works,” the Rwanda Revenue Authority statement signed by Commissioner General Pascal Ruganintwali Bizimana reads in part, as reported by The New Times.

“The Management of Rwanda Revenue Authority is pleased to inform the general public that heavy trucks are allowed to provisionally cross Gatuna OSBP between 10th-22nd June 2019 in order to facilitate these trial activities requested by RTDA,” the statement further reads.

The government of Uganda had accused Rwanda of imposing an embargo on bilateral trade with Uganda, while the Rwandan side denied the allegation and said Gatuna is the only border post connecting with Uganda that is not fully operational due to construction works.

Heavy trucks are now allowed to provisionally cross the Gatuna border post between June 10 to 22, in order to facilitate trial activities, said the statement. The trial, recommended by Rwanda Transport Development Agency, is aimed at assessing the operationalization of the construction works and equipment, it said.

About 50 percent of imports to Rwanda and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo by road pass through the Kigali-Gatuna road, part of the northern corridor which links landlocked countries of the Great Lakes region with Kenya's sea port Mombasa, according to the Rwandan ministry of infrastructure.

Rwanda and Uganda recently have had a frosty relation after the two sides are continuing to blame each other for different issues, Xinhua noted.

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