By Marvin Ocol

African Union (AU) and East African Community (EAC) chiefs have welcomed a decision by Rwanda to open borders with Uganda.

For nearly 3 years, Uganda’s border with Rwanda remained shut, with Kigali warning her nationals against crossing into Uganda. However, mid this week, Kigali communicated a decision to open borders on January 31, 2022.

In separate tweets, EAC Secretary General Dr. Peter Mathuki and Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the AU Commission welcomed the decision describing it as positive efforts towards developing the region.

@jumuiya Applauds the efforts by the leadership and govts of #Rwanda and #Uganda to reopen the #Gatuna border.The citizens of #EAC will continue to enjoy social and economic benefits within the region.The Secretariat is committed to support efforts that strengthen our region.

EAC SG Dr. Peter Mathuki

I welcome the announcement by the Govt of #Rwanda to re-open the #Gatuna border with the Republic of #Uganda as from 31 January 2022; this latest development is a positive step in the continuing efforts by the two neighbouring sister countries to normalise their relations.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chair of AU Commission