Rwanda reopens border with Uganda as neighbors push for thaw in relations

KAMPALA, Uganda

A cargo truck crossed from Rwanda into Uganda from the Gatuna border crossing on Monday, marking the end of a nearly three-year freeze on movement between the squabbling neighbors.

Kigali closed the crossing in February 2019 and warned citizens against traveling to Uganda, accusing Kampala of harassing its nationals and backing dissidents.

Kampala countered with allegations of its own, including that Rwanda carried out espionage in Uganda and attempted to infiltrate key security agencies.

People on both sides have hailed the reopening, which comes after recent contacts between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni.

Previous talks between Kagame and Museveni, mediated by leaders of Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, had proven unsuccessful in resolving the standoff.

A breakthrough was achieved after Museveni recently sent his son, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, a commander in the Ugandan military, to meet Kagame.

The reopening was done with little fanfare and there was a government official present from either side.

Traffic at the crossing remained quite low on the first day, with clearing agents, customs, and immigration officials on hand to ensure all checks and measures were applied.

Jessica Alupo, vice president of Uganda, welcomed the reopening and said the move opens up a “future of possibilities.”

“Let us avoid provocative statements and engage in productive activities like trade. Let’s talk about a future of possibilities that will enhance the livelihoods of the people. Let’s remind the communities that we are the same, and together we have endless opportunities,” she said at an event in Kabale, a town near Gatuna, on Sunday.

Asuman Basalirwa, a Ugandan parliamentarian, hailed the border reopening as a step in the right direction.

“None of us benefits by closing our borders. We should all welcome this reopening,” he told Anadolu Agency.

He said the Ugandan government must explain to parliament why the border crossing was closed for so long.

Rwanda’s government said last week that a process was underway with Uganda to resolve issues raised by Kigali.

A statement noted that there were “commitments made by the government of Uganda to address remaining obstacles.”

It said Rwanda remains committed to efforts to resolve pending issues and believes the reopening of the border “will contribute positively to the speedy normalization of relations.”