NYAGATARE – Officials from Rwanda and Uganda, on Monday, toured sites along the common border at Kagitumba, that are proposed for a one-stop centre – one on each side of the border.

The team comprised of officials from the central government, migration and tax agencies, and well as local leaders in the area.

They toured two sites – on both sides – where the centres would be constructed. Speaking to The New Times shortly after touring the sites, Zephanie Muhigi, RRA’s acting commissioner for customs and head of field operations, said the field tour was aimed at understanding the technicalities on the ground before both countries could enter into final talks.

He observed that the construction of two centres was long overdue, considering the anticipated benefits to traders and other travelers.

"We will have one building on the Rwandan side and another on the Ugandan side. Goods crossing into Rwanda will be cleared by the Ugandan centre, and those crossing to Uganda will be cleared in Rwanda jointly by immigration officials from both countries,” he explained.

John Rudasingwa, a businessman, welcomed the development, saying it will effectively reduce delays and congestion at the border. "Normally it takes us a lot of time. This new system will really help us.”

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