Uganda: Uganda, Kenya Agree to Scrap Barriers Choking Cross-Border Trade

What the report says

Uganda and Kenya have agreed to remove remaining barriers affecting cross-border goods trade, following a joint meeting in Kampala, according to AllAfrica’s report of The Independent (Kampala). The talks were part of continuing efforts to align trade practices with the East African Community Common Market, which calls for freer movement of goods among member states.

The meeting was led on the Ugandan side by State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi. Officials said the focus was on improving access for Ugandan products in Kenya and easing long-standing frictions linked to non-tariff barriers, administrative delays, and border inefficiencies. Uganda has repeatedly argued that its goods face more restrictions in Kenya than Kenyan goods face in Uganda.

Uganda’s trade ministry permanent secretary, Lynette B. Bagonza, said the aim was to restore trust and reduce recurring obstacles, while Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Trade, Regina Ombam, said Nairobi remained committed to carrying out agreed measures. Those include making one-stop border posts work more effectively and removing discriminatory taxes and levies. The report said some remaining issues may require changes to national laws, which could take time.

The agreement matters because trade between the two countries is one of the largest in the East African Community. The article said both governments see smoother trade flows as important for regional integration, private-sector growth and more balanced commercial relations.