Tensions at the Katuna-Gatuna border post on Wednesday intensified when all cargo vehicles from Uganda were denied entry into Rwanda.
The Rwanda Revenue Authority(RRA)notified the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) in writing that construction works were ongoing on the Gatuna-Kigali highway and diverted cargo trucks to the Mirama Hills-Kagitumba border post, nearly 114 kms away.
The truckers, however, had not been notified in writing before that.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Ofowono Opondo, the government Spokesperson also said that Rwanda had blocked its nationals, even those who study in Uganda, from crossing over to Uganda.
“Some disturbing information is that Rwandans this morning (Thursday) resorted to panya-routes (shortcuts) to buy food from Uganda and there are reports that the foods were confiscated on arrival is their countryside.”
On Saturday, a team from Uganda Media Centre conducted a visit at the border point to assess the situation.
The team revealed that over 130 cargo trucks are still stuck at Katuna boarder point; despite 52 having their papers processed by URA Customs for entry to Rwanda.
Rwanda has also hiked border clearance charges by 100 per cent.
“To clear a truck they have doubled the price from 200,000 Rwanda Francs to 400,000 Francs (approximately 1.6M). Maize –from Rwandan Francs 150,000 to Rwanda Francs 300,000”, the tweet from Uganda Media Centre read.
