Summary:

• The closure of the Uganda-DRC border at Mpondwe, following the general elections, has left trucks stranded, impacting cross-border trade and raising uncertainty among residents and drivers, while ongoing security concerns persist despite joint efforts to construct a key road.

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The closure of the Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border at Mpondwe has resulted in numerous trucks being stranded. The DRC initiated the border closure on Tuesday following the general elections held on Wednesday.

Despite the Kinshasa government initially announcing a 24-hour border closure, all entry and exit points remained shut by 3 pm on Thursday, with no indication of an imminent reopening.

Consequently, trucks carrying merchandise are now parked just a few meters from Bwera town to the Mpondwe border. Concerns and uncertainties prevail among residents and drivers, as the winner of the presidential elections in DRC is yet to be declared.

Alfonse Mumbere, a vendor in Mpondwe market, expressed uncertainty about the resumption of cross-border trade, stating, “We have markets here every Tuesday and Friday. But we’re not sure whether tomorrow (Friday) the markets will open.”

A truck driver, identified as Musa, acknowledged the border closure’s impact on the duration of their journey but praised Dott Services for facilitating a more accessible road into DRC. He also expressed gratitude to soldiers from both Uganda and DRC for ensuring the protection of goods.

Deborah Kibiira, a Congolese national with ties to the 2021 attacks, operates an onion stall in Mpondwe market and voiced her hope for a swift border reopening to continue selling her products in both Uganda and DRC.

The uncertainty surrounding the election results has led to reduced business activities on both sides of the border. Uganda and DRC had jointly undertaken the construction of a road leading to Ben in DRC to enhance the movement of goods and services.

Dott Services committed to contributing 60% of the project costs, while Uganda and DRC were each expected to contribute at least 20%. Uganda recently allocated a budget of 200 billion Shillings to support the construction of roads leading to various parts of DRC.

A senior security officer noted that the completion of the road to Ben in DRC would likely diminish the activities of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), making it easier to reach their hideout. The ADF rebels, based in DRC since the 1990s, have been responsible for attacks on Uganda, resulting in over 70 casualties in Kasese, Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, and Kamwenge districts this year.

Despite the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in DRC in November 2021, ADF and other militias have continued to carry out attacks, leading to the destruction of trucks and the loss of lives among traders and tourists.