Thursday, 30th June 2022, Kampala, Uganda: – The East African Business Council (EABC) Board Member Mr. Stuart Jason Mwesigwa accompanied by EABC CEO John Bosco Kalisa paid a courtesy call on the Rwandan High Commissioner to the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Joseph Rutabana in Kampala Uganda.
In his remarks, EABC Board Member, Mr. Mwesigwa commended the Government of the Republic of Rwanda for hosting and organizing a remarkable and successful Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the Commonwealth Business Forum.
He congratulated the President of the Republic of Rwanda H.E. Paul Kagame for the assumption of office as new Commonwealth Chair and reiterated the deep commitment of the business community in East Africa to drive intra-EAC trade, investment and forging stronger trade ties in the continent and the Commonwealth of Nations.
On behalf of the Chairperson and Board of Members of the East African Business Council, Mr. Mwesigwa appreciated the President of the Republic of Uganda and the President of the Republic of Rwanda for reopening the Katuna- Gatuna One-Stop Border Post that is set to revitalize bilateral trade ties.
Mr. John Bosco Kalisa stated that “EABC recently organized a public-private dialogue on trade facilitation at the Katuna Gatuna OSBP to assess the free movement of goods, persons and services.” The Gatuna Katuna OSBP facilitates the movement of transit cargo and currently, over 150 transit trucks & 800 people use it daily.
Mr. Mwesigwa stated that the business community from both Uganda and Rwanda are optimistic and ready to trade as the border was open. He stated that Rwanda is an attractive investment destination and offers market and connectivity to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.
H.E. Joseph Rutabana applauded EABC for championing a conducive business environment in the EAC region.
H.E. Joseph Rutabana said the Katuna-Gatuna OSBP was reopened and the Government of the Republic of Rwanda is finalizing technical standard procedures to ensure cross-border trade resumes smoothly on both sides.
The need to update standards arises from the COVID-19 and border closure period.
Mr. Kalisa also stated that East African Business Council is steadfast to unlock trade by organizing a Bilateral Business Forum between Uganda and Rwanda.
He further mentioned that the business community looks forward also to the official opening of the Mirama Hills / Kagitumba One-Stop Border Post by the Heads of State.
