The Republic of Rwanda has opened its land borders with Uganda, including the Gatuna-Katuna border, three years after the border was closed.
The border was opened today 31st January 2022, three days after Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced the development in a 195 words-statement.
The development comes after back and forth diplomatic efforts from both sides.
According to the statement, “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 normalisation of relations between the two countries.”
Before the statement, Uganda’s Commander of Land Forces (UPDF) and Special Advisor to President Museveni, Lt. General Kainerugaba Muhoozi visited Kigali where he held a meting with Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame to discuss “Rwanda’s concerns and practical steps needed to restore the relationship between Rwanda and Uganda.”
Before Lt. Muhoozi’s visit to Rwanda, President Kagame had received Uganda’s envoy to the UN, Ambassador Adonija Ayebare, who reportedly had a special message from Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
Relations with Uganda deteriorated in 2017 when Rwanda accused its neighbour of harbouring groups that are hostile to Kigali and torturing innocent Rwandans on its soil. The Rwanda-Uganda border was closed in 2019.
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