By Ambrose Kweronda
In Kabale—–
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The Chairperson of Kabale Municipality Traders’ Association (KMTA), Michael Byamungu Turyamureba Rwasabutare, has expressed concern that despite the Katuna border reopening three years ago, Ugandan traders continue to face significant hurdles in exporting goods to Rwanda due to extremely high tariffs imposed by the Rwandan government.
Speaking during a press conference organized by KMTA in partnership with the Uganda National Traders Alliance (UNATA) ahead of tomorrow’s consultative tour with Kabale traders, Byamungu noted that while Rwandan traders cross into Uganda with ease, Ugandan traders find it extremely difficult to do business in Rwanda due to excessive taxation, which makes it nearly impossible to realize profits.
In February 2019, Rwanda closed its borders with Uganda at Katuna and Cyanika, accusing Uganda of supporting rebel groups aimed at destabilizing Rwanda. Following diplomatic negotiations, the borders were reopened in January 2022.
Byamungu called on UNATA to escalate the issue to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to seek a favorable resolution that would promote smoother cross-border trade. He also highlighted unstable electricity supply in the Kigezi region as another major hindrance to effective business operations.
Some traders operating at the Katuna border, who requested anonymity, said they are experiencing the same challenges but do not know exactly whom to report their concerns to
In response, Godfrey Katongole, the President of UNATA, said that such challenges are exactly why President Museveni mandated them to conduct consultative tours with traders across all municipalities and cities in Uganda. Katongole explained that a comprehensive report, summarizing both challenges and practical recommendations from traders, will be compiled and presented to the President for action.
He urged all traders across Uganda to join local trade unions and umbrella organizations to strengthen their collective voice in advocating for their interests.
As part of efforts to amplify the voices of Kabale traders and bridge the gap between them and the government, UNATA will on Tuesday 29th April 2025, hold a consultative tour with traders under the Kabale Municipality Traders’ Association (KMTA) at Kirigime Guest House in Southern Division, Kabale Municipality.
Similar consultative tours have already been conducted with traders in Kasese, Masaka, Fort Portal, Gulu, Mubende, Soroti, Mbale, and Mbarara. The tours will conclude in Jinja City on 13th May 2025, where UNATA will engage with traders from across the entire Busoga region.
Simon Sezzi, the UNATA General Secretary, said the tours were initiated in response to the persistent outcry from traders across the country seeking improved working conditions.
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