Jimmy Kakule, a driver says he has to pay Shs10,000 for a night of parking in the private yard
More than 100 trucks are currently stranded at the Mpondwe border post in Kasese district, as drivers struggle to obtain clearance to enter the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The congestion arises from restricted movement across the Bunagana border in Kisoro District, due to renewed clashes between the government forces and the rebel group M23 in Goma.
Since late January 2025, M23 rebels have maintained control over parts of Goma, prompting intensified military operations by the Congolese army (FARDC), including drone strikes and targeted killings, such as the recent assassination of M23’s military spokesperson Willy Ngoma in Rubaya, Masisi Territory.
Drivers say that while the M23 who are in command of large parts of the areas across Bunagana were allowing them to enter the DRC, the recent strikes by drones from the government forces have forced them to abandon the route.
At Mpondwe they have reported delays of several days trying to navigate the complex URA and security clearance.
Jimmy Kakule, a trucker from DRC coming from Kampala, shared his frustration, revealing he has spent two days waiting for clearance.
Kakule also expressed concern over the lack of proper parking facilities, which has made tharea unsafe for drivers and cargo, with some thieves taking advantage of the congestion to steal goods.
Baluku Seka, a turn man working on one of the trucks heading to DRC, revealed that Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has limited manpower to handle the high volume of vehicles, which has led to significant delays in clearance.
Seka warned that this situation could severely affect trucks loaded with perishable items, risking spoilage and financial loss.
He called on the Ugandan government to deploy more personnel at the border to facilitate smoother clearance processes, especially now that the trucks are no longer using the Bunagana route due to security restrictions.
Robert Kayiwa, who trades between Uganda and DRC, says the congestion at the border has affected the day-to-day business operations of other traders.
He wants government to gazette a place for vehicles in transit to park as they wait clearance but also expand the main road linking Mpondwe to DRC border.
Morina Biira, a food vendor in the town says the congestion at the border today scares some of their customers especially from across the border.
Sylvester Mapizo, the LCIII for Mpodwe-Lubhiriha Town Council, says the ongoing conflict and border threats continue to disrupt cross-border trade in the region, affecting livelihoods and regional stability. However, he says apart from the congestion, they have not registered any major incident of concern since large volumes of trucks started arriving in the area this week.
-URN
