Minister Bahati Urges Border Communities to Embrace Cross-Border Trade

The State Minister for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, David Bahati, has called on Ugandans living near the Rwanda border to actively participate in cross-border trade to boost their incomes and strengthen regional economic ties.  

Speaking on June 23, 2025 during a wealth creation and political awareness meeting at Kibuga Church of Uganda playground in Kabale District, Bahati emphasized the importance of leveraging Uganda’s proximity to Rwanda for trade in both manufactured and agricultural goods.  

The minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Ndorwa West, encouraged residents to take advantage of the existing trade opportunities while fostering patriotism and African unity.  

He stressed that expanding trade within the region would create larger markets for Ugandan products, benefiting farmers, manufacturers, and small-scale traders.  
The meeting also served as a platform for mobilizing support ahead of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s internal elections scheduled for July 16. Bahati urged residents to participate actively in the upcoming party polls, emphasizing the NRM’s commitment to wealth creation and economic empowerment.