President Museveni has directed the immediate reopening of Uganda’s border posts located near areas controlled by M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The reopening of these borders is intended to boost cross-border trade and allow traders to continue their businesses without interruption or interference.
The directive delivered through Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba via his Military Assistant, Col. Chris Magezi, targets critical border points such as Bunagana and Ishasha, which have remained sealed off due to persistent instability in North Kivu.
“The president and CIC UPDF has said all border posts that are situated next to M23 positions must be immediatel re-opened. These are Bunagana, Ishasha etc. Nothing should stop our people’s trade,” said Col. Magezi, quoting the Commander-in-Chief.
The move is expected to provide immediate relief to communities in Kisoro and Kanungu districts that have endured months of economic hardship due to the prolonged border closures.
Cross-border trade, a lifeline for local traders, transporters, and farmers, came to a halt as M23 rebels advanced and took control of surrounding territories in eastern DRC.
CDF Gen. Muhoozi did not mince words on accountability.
“We shall investigate all the officials who blocked this natural commerce,” he declared, indicating that action will be taken against any individuals found to have obstructed trade without proper cause.
Reinforcing the urgency and intent behind the president’s directive, the CDF further instructed security commanders stationed at the affected border points to facilitate the free movement of people and goods.
“Consequently, I order all our commanders along those border points to allow people to move freely and conduct business,” he added.
The surprise announcement has sparked cautious optimism among border communities, many of whom have been vocal about the devastating toll of the closures on local economies.
Traders are now preparing for what they hope will be a return to normalcy, even as uncertainty lingers over the security dynamics in the volatile region.
This bold directive from President Museveni signals a strategic push to restore economic stability in Uganda’s southwestern border regions, even as M23 remains entrenched just across the frontier.
