The Government of Rwanda is set to re-open the Gatuna border post with the Republic of Uganda from January 31, 2022.
Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Rwanda will reopen Gatuna Border Post on Monday to allow easy movement between the two countries.
According to the communique, the latest move follows the visit of the Commander of Land Forces in the UPDF, Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba who also doubles as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations to Rwanda.
“Following the visit to Rwanda of Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Senior Presidential Adviser on Special Operations and Commander of Land Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) on 22nd January 2022, the Government of Rwanda has taken note that there is a process to solve issues raised by Rwanda, as well as commitments made by the Government of Uganda to address remaining obstacles,” said Rwanda in a statement.
They said that as it is the case for other land border posts in the country, health authorities of Rwanda and Uganda will work together to put in place necessary measures to facilitate movement in the context of COVID-19.
“The Government of Rwanda remains committed to ongoing efforts to resolve pending issues between Rwanda and Uganda and believes that today’s announcement will contribute positively to the speedy normalization of relations between the two countries.”
According to the office of presidency in Rwanda, the two had a tête-à-tête meeting.
“President Kagame and Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba had cordial, productive and forward-looking discussions about Rwanda’s concerns and practical steps needed to restore the relationship between Rwanda and Uganda,” a tweet from the office of presidency in Rwanda said.
“The Government of Rwanda has taken note that there is a progress to solve issues raised by Rwanda as well as commitments made by the Government of Uganda to address remaining obstacles.”
Muhoozi’s visit was widely perceived as a positive step towards reviving ties between the two countries.
Muhoozi is also Uganda’s first son.
Gatuna border, which is the busiest between the two country countries, has been inactive for nearly four years after Rwanda issued an advisory to her citizens that their safety in the neighbouring country could not be guaranteed.
Under Kandiho’s leadership, CMI was accused of torturing and killing Rwandans before being dumped at borders without due process. Others died in custody.
Additionally, Rwanda accused Uganda of fuelling instability by hosting hostile groups to the Paul Kagame government as well as torturing innocent Rwandans.
On its part, Kampala accuses Rwanda of conducting espionage on its soil.
While there has been no visible escalation of tension between the two countries, the issues remain unresolved. Diplomatic efforts by regional and international leaders have so far failed.
Recently, there were reports alleging that Rwanda deployed spying software Pegasus on Ugandan senior officials — allegations that Rwanda has dismissed as baseless.
Kagame has been outspoken at several forums, indicating that his issues with Uganda relate to the mistreatment of Rwandans in Uganda and sabotage.