The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) is urging the government to consider retaliatory measures against the Government of Kenya. They believe that Uganda has been treated poorly and that investments have been significantly harmed. Traders are calling for retaliation due to the ongoing ban on Ugandan exports to Kenya, stating that diplomatic channels have not been effective.

Richard Mubiru, Executive Director of UMA, stressed the importance of a retaliatory approach. He stated that manufacturers are demanding a retaliatory measure, as they cannot be in a marriage where they are denied access to certain bedrooms.

Mubiru also highlighted that whenever the mistreatment of Uganda is discussed, the government engages in continuous dialogues with Nairobi and other capitals.
“Our very blunt demand as manufacturers is there should be a retaliatory measure because we cannot be in a marriage where you cannot enter some bedrooms. Every time we speak about the mistreatment of Uganda, the government is in unending engagements with Nairobi and other capitals.”

Mubiru made this statement during a presentation on the state of the economy at a meeting of the Committee on National Economy on Thursday, 26 October 2023. He highlighted that the ban on milk exports to Kenya in March 2023 severely impacted trade, leading companies like Brookside Uganda to lay off half of their employees, especially given that Kenya accounts for 75 per cent of Brookside’s dairy market. He also expressed concern about the recent ban on wheat and maize exports to Kenya, emphasizing the need for stronger diplomatic relations in the region to prevent Uganda from being disadvantaged in trade disputes.

Additionally, Mubiru urged the government to explore trade opportunities with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and advocated for securing funding for initiatives targeting women, youth, and smallholder exporters in the DRC. He emphasized the importance of an export insurance policy to safeguard against trade losses, suggesting it would reduce the need for government compensation in the event of trade disruptions.

Hon. Alex Byarugaba, the Member of Parliament for Isingiro County South, emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in regulating illegal trade. He highlighted specific cases where traders were accused of blending local and imported products, resulting in the imposition of bans on Ugandan goods.

Hon. Francis Katabaazi, the Kalungu East County MP and Shadow Minister for East African Community Affairs, has emphasized the need for increased diplomatic efforts in the region to address trade disputes. He specifically highlighted recent challenges with South Sudan.