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The Ugandan minister for East African affairs, Hon Rebecca Kadaga Alitwala has threatened to reinstate visa fees for all DR Congo citizens entering Uganda. It should be noted that in October 2023, both countries decided to waive the visa fee requirements for all citizens entering into either country.
This move was/is expected to boost trade between the East African community as it gears towards creating a common bloc. With that agreement, the Museveni-led nation also became the third East African country to remove visa fees for DRC nationals. The other two are Tanzania and Kenya.
“Where people are allowed to move freely across national borders, trade volumes will go up. In addition to the increased trade, we are bound to witness free movement of labor, cultural exchange and domestic tourism in East and Central Africa.”
“The lifting of the visa restrictions will further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Uganda and DRC. This will ultimately benefit the entire East African region,” Dr.Peter Mathuki the secretary general of the EAC said at the moment.
However, whereas Uganda seems to be honoring her end of the agreement, it doesn’t seem the same with her counterpart. A Ugandan national raised the issue saying that they don’t understand how DRC nationals are freely allowed into Uganda.
When it comes to Ugandans going into Congo, they are required to pay 100 dollars. Others are even arrested and deported. When Kadaga saw this, she threatened that Uganda would revoke the agreement with the country. That’s if they don’t revise and honor this agreement.
“I have informed the DRC authorities that if they do not conform to the agreement, we shall reinstate the Visa payments for their Citizens,” said the former Speaker of Parliament.
Apparently, DR Congo joined the East African community 3 years ago. The countries are now 7. This includes Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, and DR Congo itself.
Check Also;
- Rebecca Kadaga Shuts Down Proposals To Adopt Luganda As Official Language On Uganda Airlines
- DR Congo;- Talks Underway In The Capital To Resolve Dispute With Rwanda
- New Guidelines Issued By Government For Visa-Free Visitors To Uganda
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