Ambassador Ayebare calls for policies to Boost Uganda-Rwanda cross-border trade

Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, has called on the governments of Uganda and Rwanda to prioritize the development of policies that ease cross-border trade.
According to Ayebare, facilitating trade among ordinary citizens is key to fostering improved bilateral relations and regional development.
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Speaking at the Kampala-Kigali Expo, a platform that showcased innovations and entrepreneurial projects from youth in both countries, Ayebare emphasized that sustainable development is driven by empowering the grassroots.
“Economic transformation cannot be achieved from the top alone. It’s the entrepreneurs, the youth, the small business owners, and the people on the ground who are the true drivers of sustainable development,” Ayebare remarked.
The Kampala-Kigali Expo attracted young innovators and businesspeople from Uganda and Rwanda, providing a rare opportunity to showcase products and services aimed at tapping into the cross-border market.
Among the dignitaries at the event were Ambassador Ayebare and Rwanda’s Deputy High Commissioner to Uganda, Ismael Baguma.
In his address, Ayebare described the expo as “a symbol of hope, collaboration, and improved relations” between the two countries, adding that both governments must ensure policies that promote regional trade, investments, and innovations.
“Both Uganda and Rwanda must ensure policies that promote regional trade and cross-border investments and create friendly environments for innovation,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Rwanda’s Deputy High Commissioner Ismael Baguma reaffirmed his country’s commitment to addressing trade barriers and creating an inclusive trading environment.
“I want to assure you that we are committed to addressing any barriers that hinder cross-border trade, including non-tariff barriers, because we believe that a strong regional trade network is vital for shared growth,” Baguma noted.
He also highlighted the importance of ensuring inclusivity in economic transformation, particularly for youth and women entrepreneurs.
“Let us ensure that women and youth entrepreneurs are empowered to play a leading role in our economic transformation,” he added.
The Kampala-Kigali Expo comes against the backdrop of past tensions between Uganda and Rwanda, which at one point saw Rwanda temporarily close its border in 2019.
Many participants at the expo expressed hope that such initiatives would not only create business opportunities but also strengthen relations between the two nations.
One participant at the expo noted that the event gave young entrepreneurs much-needed exposure.
“It’s going to give the young boys and girls who have what they are doing but lack market exposure a chance to shine,” they said.