Katuna Border
Katuna border is located in Katuna town which is found in the district of Kabale in the southwest of Uganda. Katuna border sets the boundary line between two nations that is Uganda and Rwanda. Katuna border is the entry and exit point of exports and imports of Rwandan goods. Katuna is always open 24/7 to enable smooth business running at the border. Katuna border town is on the Mombasa Kigali High Way; about 500km from Kampala City and is the last town in Uganda as you head to Rwanda.
Katuna border town was originally part of the then Belgian Rwanda and a major exit point for political refugees who came to settle in Uganda. In 1996 the British demarcated the Uganda-Rwanda border and basing on the agreement between the two governments that is Belgian and British government, Katuna was placed with in Uganda and became the last part of Uganda.
The town is an interesting town in a way that residents of Katuna town are of mixed nationalities whereby you can find Rwandese roots, Congolese roots and others with Burundian roots. There is also some percentage of people from other nations like the Europeans and also tribes with in Uganda. The biggest tribe found at Katuna border town is the Bakiga with three main clans; Abungura, Abasigi, and Abagyesera. This happens to exist and the construction of the immigration post and police post are located in the area having all tribes represented there. Katuna town has a population of about 1300 people, who live and carry out economic activities in Katuna border town.
The border town has a distinctive geographical terrain in that it has steep and rocky highlands that make the construction of Houses a challenge and very expensive. The border town has fertile lands that are used for cultivating crops and dairy cattle keeping. Katuna town is still developing to become one of the busiest border towns like Malaba and Busia on Uganda-Kenya border.
The border town like any other border town is a hub for numerous businesses in that trader from the East African region pass via this route to connect to Rwanda because it is a getaway to and from Rwanda. A big number of trucks carrying merchandise from Mombasa to Rwanda use mainly this route. This makes it busy all the time and travelers from the two nations crossing it to reach their destinations. At the border, you find a market known as the world market that connects people around by trading in different items. In this market, you find people from the East African region such as Kenyans, Rwandese, Ugandans, Tanzanians, and the Congolese trading commodities. Money exchange transactions can be conducted at the Katuna border by the money changers who deal with currencies such as Rwandan Francs, Ugandan Shillings, and the United States Dollars.
The town has also contributed to the tourism sector of Uganda in that the border town has terraced hills that enable travelers to have a spectacular view of the beautiful variety of food crops and the forest cover. Travelers come and stopover in the border town as they get ready to tour Lake Bunyonyi which is located 20km northwest of Katuna town. To access the lake one has to pass via Kakoma using the murram road to Rubaya. The numerous highlands in Katuna town are great for hiking and camping. Mount Muhavura, a dormant volcano is nearby when one is in the border town because it is not far away from Lake Bunyonyi. Travelers can access Mgahinga Gorilla National Park form Katuna town. Tourists also stopover on their way to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable forest for Gorilla trekking.
For travelers using the border to cross to Rwanda, Ugandan citizens and some other countries do not need a Visa to cross but rather need documents such as the Tourism VISA and national Identification cards. The immigration officers always ask for your address, contact details and also stating the business you will be doing in Rwanda. After all the clearance done, you will get a stamp that enables you to continue on your journey to Rwanda.
Accommodation Near By Katuna
The border town has a few resting and relaxing places such as Katuna Inn that can be used by travelers to rest and relax for refreshments like drinks and food. Other accommodation areas are found out of Katuna border towns such as Hawk’s eye Lodge Bunyonyi which offers on-site watersport facilities, hiking and camping. The place has also a restaurant, bar, and business centre.
Supreme Adventure Park Bunyonyi is located in Kabale about 12km from the Kabale market. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, on-site water facilities, valet parking, non-smoking rooms, and luggage storage area.
Additionally, other places to check out for accommodation are such as Paradise Eco-Hub, Lake Bunyonyi View Hotel, Heras Country Hotel, White Horse Inn, Jowillis Hotel, Albertine Tourist Resort, Itambire Island Seeds of Hope, and Kigenzi Gardens Inn.
