The damage caused by the heavy rains has seen an upsurge in traffic for heavy loaded cargo loaded trucks at the Mirama Border Post according to the Uganda Revenue Authority. “In cargo, that there is a slight increase. I shouldn’t call it slight but there is a huge increase. Of course, we do have a few challenges, you might have seen our parking yard is quite small that’s why you have seen most of the trucks are parked by the roadside. So our parking yard cannot accommodate more than fifty.” Said, Kwezi Ronald – In-Charge Customs, Mirama Hills.

“The money changer of Katuna followed these trailers this side and we are not getting as we expected because it was our pleasure that we have received customers but we are not gaining from.” Said, Edwin Owakusinga Omugabe – Fairway Cargo Services. This situation is being made worse by the current unfinished one-stop border facility at Katuna of which the government of Uganda and the European Union had promised to fund, till now works have stalled. “The other side you see the shade is waiting for passengers when they are clearing. Other than at a moment where you see, if you see the buses come; you will see people queuing outside there.” Said, Simon Esunget – In-Charge, Katuna OSBP, URA.

And for now, drivers of trucks loaded with fuel and other goods are already at Katuna border and have to drive back to Mirama hills about 100 km in addition to 200 km from Mirama hills. “I am three days nowhere, spending money, washing is money.” “So we are here, we need something to eat and so we are spending nothing.” Semuddu Vincent – Truck Driver, Uganda. The Uganda Revenue Authority officials said that traffic at Katuna has dropped to about 50% due to the damage.