Uganda ,Rwanda open new border crossing at Kizinga

Uganda  and Rwanda have opened a new border crossing at Kizinga in the eastern district of Nyagatare in Rwanda and Ntungamo district in Uganda,  in the latest sign of improving relations between the two neighboring countries.

The Rwandan Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration on Wednesday confirmed that a new border between Rwanda and Uganda situated at  Rwempasha/Kizinga entry point (North East) has been inaugurated.
 

The new border post offers officials hope to offer a vital link between Rwanda and Uganda, facilitating smoother and more efficient travel for individuals and promoting increased trade and tourism opportunities.

“The Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE) is pleased to inform the general public that Rwempasha/Kizinga border post, a new border between Rwanda and Uganda situated in Nyagatare district is open to all travellers, effective today, 5th July 2023,” DGIE remarked.

"Rwempasha border post was opened on Wednesday, and is expected to reduce the time taken to travel to and from Uganda, boost cross border trade and reduce illicit movements for both Rwandan and Ugandan border communities," Nyagatare district mayor Stephen Gasana told reporters at the border post.

He encouraged residents to take advantage of the new border post, saying its opening will help reduce transport costs for traveling to and from Uganda. The new post is in addition to two other border crossings between the two countries.

Gasana said plans are underway to tarmac the road from Nyagarate to the border post in order to ease the movement of people and goods.

Residents said the new border post will also help strengthen social bonds as many have relatives on either side of the border.

Rwanda's main trading partners are within the East Africa Community bloc, according to the Ministry of Trade and Industry. But trade particularly with Uganda has been drastically affected after Rwanda closed its main border with Uganda due to political tensions. The border was reopened last year.