By Our Reporter
It is no longer business as usual at the Katuna border, a major link between Uganda and Rwanda. This after heavy rains on Tuesday last week damaged the road about four kilometres into the Rwandan side, disrupting business along the route.
Following the incident, customs officials at Katuna were forced to divert heavily loaded trucks to Mirama Hills one stop border post, an alternative route to Kigali, Rwanda. This move has seen traffic surge at the Mirama Hills one stop border post.
According to Ronald Kwezi Mugisha, officer in charge at the Mirama Hills customs office, traffic cleared daily has since increased exponentially. He revealed that by the 3rd day after the diversion they had gone from handling just 9 trucks daily to about 131 trucks.
“We clear vehicles very fast given joint clearance between Uganda and Rwanda customs at this border post.” Mugisha noted. “We have also since increased our working hours from 6am to 10pm so as to better able to serve our clients.”
Despite the alternative route, many heavy trucks still remain stranded at the Katuna border contemplating their next move as Mirama Hills lies 100Km away from Katuna.
Speaking to a group of journalists on Thursday last week, Julius Kaloki, one of the drivers who had arrived at Katuna on the unfortunate night of the road collapse, expressed his discomfort at being stuck at the border and remains worried that he might soon use up his upkeep money.
“My per diem is getting finished because I have to pay for accommodation, feeding and parking fees for the trucks with every extra day spent here.” He said.
He also showed concerns over the extra costs he would have to incur in terms of fuel and other travel related expenses, if he decided to turn back.
Meanwhile, Simon Esunget, the officer in charge at the Katuna customs office, says the entry point continues to operate 24/7 but remains partially open to only buses and light motor vehicles. This has seen daily traffic cleared at Katuna plummet by over 50% from about 300 vehicles cleared daily to about 144. However, the average number of travelers using the border remains relatively the same as buses and private cars were not affected by the diversion to Mirama Hills.
While it is 30 km more to travel from Ntungamo to Kigali through Mirama Hills than through Katuna, Mirama Hills offers a superior alternative as it boasts of better roads and greater efficiency in clearance.
“Many people do not know about this border post, but it is a modern and very efficient facility. We should be a more preferable route to use.” Mugisha said.
