Kampala – The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among has directed the East African Community Affairs Minister, Rebecca Kadaga to table a comprehensive statement regarding the reopening of the Uganda-Rwanda border.
She made the directive during the plenary on Tuesday afternoon. It came after the Opposition Chief Whip, John Baptist Nambeshe raised a procedural matter regarding the restriction on the movement of travellers and cargo at the Gatuna/Katuna border.
The Rwandan government reopened Gatuna/Katuna border on Monday this week following its closure on February 27th, 2019 due to a diplomatic impasse between Uganda and Rwanda. However, media reports indicate that only cargo, a few returning Rwandan citizens and a few Ugandans travelling for essential purposes were cleared to enter Rwanda.
This is attributed to the measures put in place to facilitate cross border movement in the context of COVID-19 discussed by Immigration and Customs officials of both countries in a close day meeting on Monday on the Rwandan side.
In his statement to Parliament, the Manjiya County legislator, John Baptist Nambeshe said that Ugandans greeted the news of the amicable resolution of the border impasse between Uganda and Rwanda.
He, however, says that many Ugandans are confused about the unclear restrictions or specific COVID-19 protocols. Nambeshe requested that the East African Community Affairs Minister, Rebecca Kadaga provides information regarding business at the border.
Geoffrey Macho, the Busia Municipality MP also demanded that the East African Community (EAC) leaders put all discussions concerning member States in writing so that the public has clear information regarding the different borders.
He also demanded that the EAC Affairs Minister appears before parliament with a statement regarding the re-opening of the Uganda-Rwanda border and what the country should expect.
David Bahati, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Co-operatives attributed the restrictions at the border to the Standard Operating procedures aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19.
“The President briefed us in Cabinet and on the side of Rwanda. It is open for cargo because all their borders are still observing COVID-19 procedures but the border is open and it is good news to us that it has opened peacefully,” said Bahati.
Among directed that the East African Community Affairs Minister, Rebecca Kadaga give a clear picture to the country on the restrictions by providing a comprehensive statement on the matter.
Source : URN
