Rwanda, Uganda to renovate border points

Rwanda and Uganda have agreed to renovate two entry points at Rwempasha, Nyagatare District and Buhita, Burera District, in order to facilitate trade and cooperation between the two countries.A survey carried out by a joint team from both countries realized that the two points serve as trading routes for low scale businesses, especially by the surrounding communities, and yet could pose a security threat to both countries if they are not well regulated.The findings were discussed during the Rwanda-Uganda Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) meeting in Kigali called to address issues related to trade, justice, security, livestock movement as well as voluntary return of refugees.“Fifty to 100 people cross the Rwempasha point daily whereas 200 to 300 use the Buhita entry point; the road facilities there can neither improve trade nor prevent illegal immigration,” Zephaniah Muhigi told the meeting. “Both entry points lack electricity and clean water and although the Rwandan side has customs and police officers, the Uganda side has neither.”The commission is headed by Local Government ministers, James Musoni (Rwanda) and Adolph Mwesigye (Uganda). The team also includes Rwanda’s minister of Internal Security, Musa Fazil Harerimana, the Ugandan minister of state for defence, Jeje Odongo, Ugandan minister of security, Muruli Mukasa, and several revenue and immigration officers from both countries.“For these points to be operational as border posts, we must first demarcate land because it is open and residents have already encroached on them; we must also install generators and solar panels,” Mukasa said.Musoni argued that funds for the development of the border posts should come from within, and not from donors.“I do not see why we should be developing plans to get aid for the development of these posts; I am sure that both governments have the funds to foot the proposed budget and set up the necessary infrastructure,” he said.It was noted that Rwepesha has the capacity to be turned into a one-stop-border-post; while the Buhita entry point, has a poor bridge structure that cannot sustain heavy cargo movement.JPC members including RRA Commissioner General, Ben Kagarama and the Ugandan High Commissioner to Rwanda, Richard Kabonero, argued that developing the two posts is justified as it would hugely boost trade and attract investment from both countries.Rwanda and Uganda currently have three recognized border posts; Katuna-Gatuna, Kagitumba-Mirama and Cyanika-Kisoro.Later, Musoni and Mwesigye signed a Memorandum of Understanding that formalizes JPC’s work.The meeting resolved that the respective immigration offices and the mayors of the relevant districts take the lead in the process to conduct an environmental impact assessments, as well as budgetary requirements for the posts.

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Rwanda, Uganda to renovate border points