Rwanda, Uganda begin joint surveillance at Gatuna border

In a bid to crackdown on smuggling and tax evasion by cross border traders, Rwanda and Uganda have agreed to begin joint surveillance at the Katuna-Gatuna border crossing.The Commissioner General of Rwanda Revenue Authority, Ben Kagarama, signed an agreement with Allen Kagina, his Ugandan counterpart, under which a joint team will carry out surveillance, as well as share information.Present at the signing was Uganda’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Richard Kabonero, and the Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, Kunio Hatanaka.The programme received equipment worth US$180,000 from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which includes four patrol vehicles, four motorcycles, radio communication systems, portable searchlights, night vision scopes and an address system. Last year, RRA collected revenues over 330 billion from Gatuna-Katuna border, making it the busiest border crossing; however, officials from both sides believe that the figure can be bigger if smuggling fought. “After the implementation of One Stop Border Post at Gatuna-Katuna in 2010, and opening that borders for 24 hours every day, it meant that traders cross at a higher rate and bring in more revenues to both countries. However, we have been concerned with also heightened contraband, smuggling and tax evasion. Working together with Uganda to survey the border and protect it against such activities will increase revenue collection and also boost the economies of both countries,” Kagarama said.Kagina reiterated that the activity will foster unity between the two countries in the spirit of East African integration.“Seven months ago, our two Heads of State met in this area and commissioned the construction of the road to further boost trade. This is the spirit of corporation that will continue to bind our countries and make our citizens more successful,” Kagina said.“It paid off at the Malaba border, which we share with Kenya; after implementing a joint surveillance exercise, we were able to raise US$4 million by limiting smuggling activities. I am hopeful this joint exercise with Rwanda will also be successful.The border is a major entrance point to Rwanda and handles most of the country’s imports and exports as most goods from the coast to Rwanda pass through Uganda. On average, 2,000 people cross Gatuna-Katuna every day as well as 200 tracks, 40 buses and 35 small vehicles. Due to increased commercial and tourist traffic, Gatuna is a fast-growing town.

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Rwanda, Uganda begin joint surveillance at Gatuna border