The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat on Friday, January 28, applauded the leadership and governments of Rwanda and Uganda for their efforts towards re-opening of their common border, the Gatuna-Katuna border post, which is expected on January 31. This comes after the government of Rwanda on Thursday, January 27, announced it will re-open its main border with Uganda as part of efforts to restore bilateral ties. According to a government statement, the decision followed steps taken by their Ugandan counterparts to address the formers grievances. EAC Secretary General, Peter Mathuki, hailed the move terming it as a boost to regional integration, noting that strengthening bilateral ties between the two EAC Partner States will revitalize social, economic and political relations. Re-opening this strategic trade route is in line with the provisions of the EAC Common Market Protocol and is set to accelerate economic and social development of the Partner States by reviving the free movement of goods, persons, capital and labour, said Mathuki. Mathuki said that the re-opening of the border would also promote peace and security across the region. The move is a reflection of the deep commitment and existing goodwill among the EAC Heads of State to widen and deepen cooperation in the bloc, particularly as the Community expands with the anticipated entry of the Democratic Republic of Congo, he said. He further said that the Community was committed to supporting initiatives that promote regional integration within East Africa. The Secretariat is ready to provide any technical support that may be required to ensure sustainability on the movement of goods and services across all the borders, said Mathuki. The re-opening of the border is set to spark social and economic activities and also benefit the informal cross-border traders who rely on the two Partner States for the supply and market of their goods. It will also fast-track the operationalization of the Gatuna-Katuna One-Stop Border Post and in turn, reduce the cost of doing business across East Africa.
