The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
KAMPALA, UGANDA | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has suspended clearance of goods crossing to and from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) via borders affected by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels insurgency.
When M23 rebels captured the Uganda-DR Congo border of Bunagana, URA and Immigration services were shifted to the Uganda-Rwanda border of Chanika, after DR Congo authorities announced the border and the road from Bunagana-Rutshuru to Goma city closed. M23 rebels continued and captured the nearby border of Busanza/Kitagoma and, later, Ishasha.
In an internal memo dated March 3, 2025, addressed to all customs staff and management, the URA has suspended clearing goods heading to Goma City through the Uganda-Rwanda border of Chanika in Kisoro district and Katuna in Kabale district, as well as the Uganda-DR Congo border of Kyeshero and Ishasha in Kanungu district.
According to the memo, the decision results from information Ugandan authorities received from their Congolese counterparts indicating that the occupation of Goma City by M23 rebels since late January 2025 has led the DR Congo government to fail to control revenue collected from goods that enter the city via the affected borders, hence registering significant losses.
The memo indicates that suspension, which takes immediate effect, will remain in force until the political situation or until advised otherwise. The memo indicates that the goods will now be declared through other border posts which are not affected by the insurgency.
When contacted, Robert Kalumba, URA Public and Corporate Affairs Manager, confirmed the changes. He, however, did not divulge more details on the matter.
Since the resumption of the M23 insurgency in 2022, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, the DRC government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim that both Rwanda and M23 deny.
The rebels assert that their fight is against corruption, xenophobia and discrimination within the DR Congo’s leadership.
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