By Patson Baraire
Tension is high at the Uganda – Rwanda border point of Kyanika in Kisoro District following directives from the Rwandan authorities to stop any vehicle, people or goods from crossing over to the Uganda side.
It is indicated that Rwanda has closed all its border entry points with Uganda including Kakitumba, Katuna and Kyanika.
Kisoro Resident District Commissioner Peter Mugisha has confirmed the development but did not divulge more information saying that the Security Committee which he heads is yet to sit and review the situation.
Efforts to get a comment from the Rwanda Authorities as to why the vehicles from Rwanda have been denied entry into Uganda were not possible as they declined to talk to our reporter.
Kyanika Border post connects Uganda to Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
By the time of writing this story, the security personnel at the border were making frantic phone calls to find a solution.
Three weeks ago, the Rwandan government blocked entry of Ugandan cement that was being exported into Rwanda at Katuna border post.
Uganda government spokesman Mr Ofwono Opondo confirmed to Kampala Post that indeed Ugandan traders are stranded at the Uganda-Rwanda border.
“It’s true since yesterday 6.00pm the Rwanda authorities have prevented the entry and exit of goods even petty small items like foodstuffs being purchased by their own citizens,” said Mr Opondo.
He added: “Initially the official reason was that Katuna border was congested and advised travelers and businesses to go through Mirama hills. However, the Rwanda customs claims not to know any other reason and has indeed written to URA to that effect.”
Mr Opondo says that Rwanda customs says it is Rwanda police blocking free movement of goods on all the three border posts ie Katuna, Kyanika, and Mirama hills.
“In the circumstances, Uganda continues to monitor and engage with Rwanda,” he said.
https://command1post.com/…/tension-flare-as-rwanda-blocks-…/
