Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ The business community at the Katuna and Cyanika border posts in Kabale and Kisoro districts, respectively, is celebrating as Rwandan authorities have lifted travel restrictions on their nationals crossing into Uganda.
The chairperson of the business community at Katuna border post, Mr. Franko Korinako, expressed his joy, stating that cross-border trade has been thriving since Rwandans can now freely enter Uganda.
Although the Rwandan borders with Uganda were reopened in March last year after a three-year closure, Rwandan nationals were not allowed to cross into Uganda without paying Rwf5,000 (about Ush15,000) for a Covid-19 PCR test. This posed a financial burden for many ordinary citizens. Additionally, Rwandans were prohibited from purchasing household and food items from Ugandan border markets.
“We are so grateful to the government of Rwanda for having lifted the travel restrictions. It is almost two weeks now since the Covid-19 PCR tests were stopped, thus giving ordinary Rwandans the chance to cross the border for trade or social functions where their relatives stay,” said Mr. Korinako.
The LC3 chairperson for the Chyanika border post, Mr. Erasmus Sanyu, noted that traders have been celebrating for the past two weeks since the travel restrictions were lifted. This move not only boosts trade but also strengthens social interactions that had been banned.
Due to the travel restrictions, the Rwandan Franc had depreciated at the border post. Currently, Ush10,000 can fetch Rwf3,350, compared to the past few months when it would fetch Rwf2,500, according to Mr. Sanyu.
Rwandan nationals who crossed into Uganda through the Katuna border post expressed their happiness at being able to reunite with their friends and relatives after a long time.
The senior immigration officer at Katuna, Mr. Soter Kabyogamu, highlighted the need for increased staff to handle the growing number of travelers to avoid unnecessary delays.
