This is contained in a statement issued by Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Sam Kuteesa on Thursday.
In the statement Kuteesa says “Rwanda has introduced an export permit system for those that intend to export goods to Uganda. This is a technical and non-tariff barrier to trade, to which there has been no successful applicant. In effect this is a trade embargo on bilateral trade with Uganda”.
Kutesa, further notes that the export of Ugandan goods has been prohibited by Rwandan authorities
He also notes that the Rwandan authorities are only allowing the crossing into Rwanda only for trucks carrying transit goods destined for the country or those transiting through to the Democratic Republic of Congo and other countries.
Kuteesa’s statement further indicates that goods from Rwanda and Rwandan registered trucks are not being allowed to cross over into Uganda by the Rwandan authorities.
He however maintains that Uganda is committed to ensuring free movement of people and goods across borders consistent with its obligations under regional and continental frameworks.
Kigali has not responded to the latest round of accusation from Kampala.
This comes against the backdrop of rising tensions between Rwanda and Uganda over the closure of Gatuna border post ostensibly by the Rwandan authorities.
Initially, Rwanda claimed it had closed the borders to work on the One stop border post.
However, Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Richard Sezibera issued a travel advisory to their nationals strongly cautioning them against traveling to Uganda, saying their safety isn’t guaranteed.
He later accused Uganda of harboring Rwandan dissidents planning to topple the government of President, Paul Kagame.
Rwandan security also destroyed temporary bridges erected by residents crossing to both countries.