Locals at the Bunagana border point in Kisoro District have expressed deep dissatisfaction over the continued inactivity at the Uganda–Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border, despite its official reopening by district security authorities.
The border was officially reopened on July 10, 2025, at 9:15 a.m., following a directive from the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The ceremony was presided over by Kisoro Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Hajji Baddru Sebyalla, alongside other local leaders. The reopening was intended to revive cross-border trade, regional cooperation, and economic stability.
Originally closed on June 13, 2022, due to security threats posed by the M23 rebel group in Eastern DRC, the Bunagana border had been a key conduit for trade and livelihoods in the region. However, more than two weeks after its reopening, local residents say there has been little to no change on the ground.
Muhawe Robert, a casual laborer at the border, voiced his frustration with the ongoing economic stagnation:
“Although the border was reopened, nothing has changed. Instead, things are going from bad to worse. We call on the government to intervene.”
Hashaka Godfrey, Chairperson of the Bunagana Business Community, echoed similar concerns, noting that the absence of cargo trucks and international businesses has disrupted livelihoods:
“International businesses are no longer operating, and this has severely impacted our livelihoods as cross-border traders.”
Meanwhile, Ndayambaje Ismail, Mayor of Bunagana Town Council, urged the Ugandan government to initiate peace talks with both the DRC government and the M23 rebels. He emphasized that without regional peace, trade and economic activities would remain paralyzed:
“The inactivity at the border is affecting local revenue and tax collection, which in turn is hindering government service delivery.”
As the region waits for meaningful change, residents continue to urge national leaders to take urgent steps toward restoring full operations at the Bunagana border and ensuring lasting peace in the area.
