Rwanda Border Blockage Illegal – Uganda Government

By Francis Otucu

The Uganda government has said the move by Rwanda to block the Katuna border post is illegal and contrary to East African Customs Protocol.

Government spokesman Ofwono Opondo, while appearing on Capital FM’s popular talkshow, The Capital Gang, today said that the closure of the border post without giving prior information was illegal.

“The border was closed without giving prior information which is contrary to the East African Customs Protocol,” Ofwono said.

He also said that claims of arrest and torture of Rwandan nationals as alleged by Rwanda Foreign Minister Richard Sezibera, is a matter that can be sorted out. He however, added that there are no arbitrary arrests .

Ofwono also assured Ugandans that the matter should be resolved by next Monday or Tuesday.

NEW DEVELOPMENT

By last evening, over 300 cargo trucks had been blocked at Katuna.

These details are according to the Uganda Media Center team dispatched to the border yesterday to assess the situation of motor vehicle and human movement.

“Over 130 cargo trucks stuck at Katuna border point; despite 52 having their papers processed by the URA customs for entry to Rwanda. The cargo trucks have been halted from crossing over to the Rwandan side,” part of Media Center’s statement reads.