The Democratic Party (DP) has called on the East African Community (EAC) to intervene in the growing tension between Uganda and Rwanda. The stand-off follows the closure of the Rwanda border at Katuna last week, leaving citizens of both countries stranded.
Many trucks with transit goods were affected, while bus drivers were also making losses since Rwandan nationals have been barred from entering Uganda. DP spokesperson Paul Kenneth Kakande yesterday said the regional intergovernmental organisation should initiate dialogue between the two countries to end the conflict
“EAC should be moving forward to removing barriers between member countries to bring about lasting peace in the region,” Kakande said.
He made the remarks during the party’s weekly briefing at their headquarters in Kampala yesterday. Kakande said the situation was costing the economy, especially the traders, whose goods were rotting at the border.
“A number of traders thrive on loans and when the goods are not bought, they lose out. We call upon the government to come out and arrest the situation before it worsens,” he requested.
Kakande also advised the two presidents involved to sit down and resolve the matter amicably.
“President Museveni and Kagame have been friends since high school. They should use that old relationship to build bridges and save Ugandans the stress,” he said.