President Museveni has expressed his dissatisfaction with the imposition of non-tariff barriers by some East African Community (EAC) member states, referring to these measures as misguided policies.
In his year-end message, President Museveni highlighted the detrimental impact of non-tariff barriers on the citizens of EAC member states. Although he did not explicitly name the countries implementing such barriers, he mentioned that Kenya had blocked Uganda’s milk products in their market.
The president emphasized the need for open discussions within the EAC to eliminate non-tariff barriers, stating that exposing the negative consequences of such policies through mobilization is crucial. He urged against retaliatory actions and trade restrictions, emphasizing the importance of regional integration.
President Museveni cited the ongoing dispute between Uganda and Kenya over access to the sea, particularly regarding the importation of oil products. Despite trade challenges, he rejected the idea of blocking Kenyan products in retaliation.
Highlighting past experiences, Museveni recalled Kenya’s former President Arap Moi’s border closure to Ugandan goods in the 1990s. Despite the provocation, he resisted retaliatory measures, keeping Ugandan borders open to Kenyan goods. Today, Uganda’s exports to Kenya are either equal to or sometimes higher than imports.
President Museveni stressed the refusal to engage in what he termed as “blind policies” and urged continued discussions with EAC partners to create a genuinely common market free of non-tariff barriers. He affirmed that rationality cannot be ignored indefinitely in resolving trade issues within the East African Community.
