Kabale Business owners raise alarm over soaring tariffs imposed by Rwanda Government

Guest Writer

Businesspeople at the Katuna border are voicing concerns over the high tariffs imposed by the Rwandan government, particularly on their vehicles, while goods and vehicles from Rwanda face minimal or no charges when entering Uganda. They are also frustrated by the restrictions on their goods entering Rwanda, even as Rwandan traders are allowed to freely purchase and transport goods from Uganda.

Macro Joram, the Director of Macro Hardware, stated that in the past, the border operated smoothly, facilitating free cross-border trade between the two countries. However, the situation has changed, with heavy tariffs now imposed on Ugandan goods.

Mariam Akankwasa Miria, Chairperson of the Katuna Cross-border Traders Cooperative, raised concerns about the unharmonized trade policies affecting the transportation of goods to Rwanda.

She pointed out that traders using commercial vehicles are subjected to high fees and also expressed frustration with challenges related to currency exchange. She called on both governments to support small-scale traders who are struggling under these conditions.

Kabale LCV Chairperson Nelson Nshangabasheija acknowledged the efforts of the Uganda Peples Defence Unit’s CDF, General Muhoozi Keinerugaba  to reopen the Katuna border but reported that the bi-weekly market is no longer thriving due to the ongoing restrictions on movement into Uganda.

In response, Uganda Revenue Authority Commissioner of the Customs Department, Asadu Kisitu Kigozi, encouraged businesspeople to formally submit their concerns to his office. He assured them that the issues would be forwarded to the Ministry of East African Affairs for further action.

ENDS…