Uganda: Ruto Directive Triggers Exodus of Foreign Traders At Uganda-Kenya Border

What the report says

A directive attributed to Kenyan President William Ruto to close small businesses run by foreign nationals without valid work permits has prompted an apparent outflow of traders at the Uganda-Kenya border, according to Nile Post, which was distributed by AllAfrica. The report said the movement was especially visible at the Busia One Stop Border Post, where some people were seen trying to leave Kenya after the order took effect.

The article said those affected included nationals from Rwanda and South Sudan, although many declined to comment. It also quoted a Ugandan parliamentary committee member, Peter Okeyoh, saying about 200 people crossed out of Kenya through the Lwakhakha border in one day and that the number was believed to be higher at Busia.

Ugandan lawmakers have also voiced alarm over reports of Ugandan deaths being repatriated from Kenya. Okeyoh claimed roughly 86 bodies had been returned within a month, some with injuries he described as consistent with violence. Those allegations were not independently verified in the article. The concerns have renewed debate in border communities about East African Community principles of free movement and trade.

Former Busia Municipality MP Geoffrey Macho warned that limits on lawful business activity could undermine regional integration. Ugandan legislators said they plan to raise the issue in Parliament and seek an explanation from the Kenyan government when they return from recess.