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Efforts to resolve lingering trade challenges between Uganda and Rwanda gained momentum today as the Uganda National Traders Alliance (UNATA), in partnership with the Kabale Municipality Traders’ Association (KMTA), launched a consultative tour aimed at gathering views from local traders ahead of a nationwide report to the President.
Speaking at a press conference at Kirigime Guest House in Kabale municipality, Michael Byamungu Turyamureba Rwasabutare, chairperson of KMTA, expressed concern over the persistent trade hurdles faced by Ugandan traders at the Uganda-Rwanda border despite the Katuna border reopening in January 2022.
Byamungu pointed out that while Rwandan traders enjoy relatively easier access to Uganda’s market, Ugandan traders continue to grapple with high tariffs and operational restrictions when attempting to export goods into Rwanda. These obstacles, he said, have severely undermined traders’ ability to conduct profitable business across the border.
He also cited the unstable electricity supply in the Kigezi region as a broader infrastructure challenge that continues to hamper business operations.
In his remarks, UNATA President Godfrey Katongole reaffirmed the Alliance’s commitment to documenting and presenting traders’ concerns to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Katongole emphasized that the ongoing consultative tour, which spans all municipalities and cities across Uganda, is purely aimed at strengthening the country’s trade environment and is non-political.
“Our mandate is clear: to listen to traders on the ground, compile their challenges and recommendations, and submit a comprehensive report to the President for action,” Katongole stated.
He further encouraged traders to organize themselves under registered trade unions and umbrella associations to amplify their advocacy efforts, noting that collective action is critical for addressing systemic trade barriers.
Traders operating at Katuna border, who preferred to speak anonymously, echoed concerns over high tariffs but admitted to confusion over appropriate reporting channels for their grievances — highlighting the need for stronger coordination between local trade associations and national bodies.
The consultative meeting with Kabale traders is scheduled for tomorrow and is expected to gather detailed insights that will feed into the national report.
The Katuna and Cyanika border posts were closed in February 2019 amid political tensions between Uganda and Rwanda, but were reopened after diplomatic negotiations. However, full normalization of trade relations remains a work in progress.
