By John Ikani
Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reached a mutual agreement to eliminate visa requirements, enabling visa-free travel between the two nations.
This accord aims to facilitate the movement of people and bolster trade relations between Uganda and the DRC.
The agreement stems from recent discussions between officials of both countries held in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC.
Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, has long advocated for hassle-free entry between these neighbouring nations.
He emphasized the need for visa-free travel, stating, “Crossing in East Africa should be without unnecessary costs. While you pay for a visa when heading to America or Europe, requiring a visa for the DRC seems unreasonable. In light of this, I have eliminated it,” said President Museveni last December when inaugurating the Mpondwe one-stop border post at Uganda’s border with the DRC.
In May, President Museveni urged officials from both countries to expedite the process of implementing visa-free travel.
Citizens of both Uganda and the DRC have voiced concerns about the high visa fees previously imposed at border crossings, making this agreement a significant step towards facilitating easier travel and trade between the two nations.
