Uganda is preparing to file a formal complaint with the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat over what it claims are Rwanda's violations of regional trade agreements, according to state minister for regional cooperation Philemon Mateke. The move follows allegations that Rwanda has disrupted cross-border commerce and detained over 800 Rwandans since January 2018, according to Rwandan officials.
Mateke confirmed discussions with senior minister Kirunda Kivejinja about submitting a petition, citing Rwanda's alleged interference with trade as a breach of EAC regulations. The East African Community, currently chaired by Rwanda, has become a focal point for the dispute, with Uganda accusing Kigali of economic sabotage through border restrictions.
Rwanda abruptly closed the Gatuna border post in late February, citing construction work, but Ugandan officials questioned the timing. A senior source noted the abruptness of the closure, as infrastructure projects are typically announced in advance. Rwanda later redirected long-haul trucks to the Mirama Hills route, adding 110km to the journey and increasing transport costs.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Richard Sezibera warned citizens against traveling to Uganda, claiming they faced arrests and harassment. Uganda denied these allegations, with Media Centre executive director Ofwono Opondo stating there was no evidence of systematic detentions. However, Rwanda's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe claimed over 800 Rwandans had been deported or refused entry to Uganda since January 2018.
Ugandan officials disputed these figures, with Opondo noting some individuals named in Rwanda's list had been legally charged or held refugee status. The dispute has disrupted trade, with 300-400 vehicles typically crossing via Gatuna daily, carrying goods valued at $197 million in Ugandan exports to Rwanda in 2018.
