Rwanda's sudden closure of the Gatuna border post, a critical transit point between Uganda and Rwanda, has drastically reduced cross-border traffic, with daily vehicle movements dropping from 400 to 44 as of March 7. The move, initially framed as a temporary infrastructure upgrade, has triggered economic losses and diplomatic tensions, with Ugandan authorities reporting a sharp decline in road-user charge revenues.
Rwandan officials cited infrastructure work as the official reason for the closure, but Ugandan sources allege the decision stems from accusations of mistreatment of Rwandan nationals in Uganda. The country's security apparatus has also accused Kampala of harboring elements opposed to President Paul Kagame, including exiled figures like Gen Kayumba Nyamwasa, leader of the Rwanda National Congress (RNC).
The partial shutdown has forced traders to reroute through alternative border posts, such as Mirama Hills and Cyanika, causing logistical challenges. At Mirama Hills, traffic surged to 200-250 vehicles daily, straining customs operations. Money changers and food vendors at the closed border report significant losses, with one forex bureau owner noting a drop from daily transactions of 20 million Rwandan francs to less than one million.
Ugandan officials at Gatuna revealed that daily road-user charge revenues fell from 25-30 million to 3.9 million Ugandan shillings following the closure. The shift has also disrupted cross-border trade, with Rwandan security forces enforcing stricter controls on food and currency exchanges. At Cyanika, truck drivers bypassing the Gatuna route face longer distances and speed restrictions, while the Bunagana border post to the Democratic Republic of Congo remains active despite poor road conditions.
Local leaders in Gatuna Town expressed fears of potential military escalation, while Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni avoided direct commentary on the closure during a regional conference, instead referencing historical refugee flows from Rwanda in 1959.
