Re-Opening of Katuna Border : Rwanda – Uganda Borders
Re-Opening of Katuna Border: The reopening of the Katuna border crossing between Rwanda and Uganda is welcome news for travellers planning to go gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali in Rwanda.
In this respect, and in accordance with the communiqué of the 4th Quadripartite Summit held in Gatuna/Katuna on February 21, 2022, the Government of Rwanda wants to inform the public that the Gatuna border post between Rwanda and Uganda would reopen on January 31, 2022.
As with other land border checkpoints in the nation, Rwanda’s health authorities are dedicated to on-going efforts to settle unresolved concerns between Rwanda and Uganda, and expect that today’s declaration will contribute favourably to the two countries’ rapid normalization of relations.
Following the visit to Rwanda on 22nd January 2022 of Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Senior Presidential Adviser on Special Operations and Commander of Land Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the Government of Rwanda has taken note of a process to resolve issues raised by Rwanda, as well as commitments made by the Government of Uganda to address remaining obstacles.
Katuna is a fast-growing town on Uganda’s border with Rwanda in the country’s extreme southwest. Katuna frontier set its boundary line between neighboring Uganda and Rwanda. This border serves as the principal entry and departure point for Rwandan exports and imports, and it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing for flawless commercial activities.
Katuna serves as a border crossing point. It is a vital town for emerging countries like Rwanda and Uganda. The Kigali High Way runs approximately 500 kilometers from Kampala, Uganda, to Rwanda.
This border village was formerly part of Belgian Rwanda and served as a major escape route for political refugees seeking shelter in Uganda. It happened in 1996, when the British demarcated the Uganda-Rwanda border as part of an agreement between the Belgian and British governments, Katuna had to be placed in Uganda and became the last portion of Uganda.
Katuna is Rwanda’s busiest primary entry point, processing the vast bulk of the country’s imports from and exports to Uganda. The bulk of goods headed for Rwanda transits through Katuna from Kenya’s port of Mombasa.
Katuna is a unique town in that its residents are a diverse group of people having Rwandan, Congolese, and Burundian ancestry, among others. There is also a percentage of people who leave the country, such as Europeans and various tribes in Uganda.
The Bakiga are Katuna’s most populous tribe, with three main clans: Abunguru, Abasigi, and Abagyesera. It exists, as does the construction of an immigration post and a police station in the region, with representatives from all tribes.
Crossing the Katuna Border for Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda.
The Rwanda- Uganda border at Katuna/Gatuna is frequently used by visitors doing gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali. For many travellers, gorilla trekking in Uganda is much cheaper as compared to doing gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Uganda currently hosts half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, with the rest distributed between Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
For those interested in tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda, it’s recommended that you do gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Tourists going gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali using Katuna/Gatuna border will have no trouble with money exchanges because there are currency exchange terminals near the border where you can change your Rwandan Francs, Ugandan Shillings, and US dollars, Re-Opening of Katuna Border.
The border town of Katuna has also boosted Uganda’s tourism industry by providing visitors with a beautiful view of a variety of food crops and forest cover. Visitors to Uganda on a Gorilla Trekking Safari and vice versa. As they prepare to visit Lake Bunyonyi, which is located 20 kilometers northwest of Katuna, Rwanda Safari may make a stopover in the border town. To return to the lake, use the Murrum path from Kakoma to Rubaya.
There are, however, several mountains in Katuna town that are perfect for walking and camping. Mount Muhabura, a dormant volcano near the border town but far from Lake Bunyonyi, is accessible by hiking.
Tourists may also visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Katuna for gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking. You may stop here on your way to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Travelers can still use this border to cross through to Rwanda, Ugandan citizens, and other countries where a visa is not required, however paperwork like as the Tourism Visa and national identity cards are necessary.
Your personal address, contact details, and information about the type of business you plan to do in Rwanda will always be requested by the immigration officer. After completing all approvals, you will be able to acquire a stamp authorizing you to enter or operate in Rwanda.
Accommodation around the Katuna/Gatuna Border
The border town of Katuna has a few housing alternatives where you may rent a room and spend the night, including the Katuna Inn, which has good facilities and a restaurant with plenty of beverages and delicious dishes. Hawk’s Eye Lodge, Lake Bunyonyi, which offers on-site watersports, hiking, and camping, is another resort near the border town that you may rent. A terrific restaurant, a bar, and a business center round out the neighborhood.
Paradise Eco-Hub, Lake Bunyonyi View Hotel, Heras Country Hotel, Jowillis Hotel, Albertine Tourist Resort, Itambire Island Seeds of Hope, White Horse Inn, and Kigezi Garden Inn are among the places to stay.
In short; the Uganda – Rwanda border crossing at Katuna is a very crucial crossing point for travellers from Rwanda who are going gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali. Safaris to see gorillas in Uganda can be paired with a boat excursion on Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale or zip lines from Kigali. Visitors can also visit the surrounding Batwa settlements, which are located near Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
