Traders to reap big as Kenya, Uganda sign pacts

On the social and cultural front, the key highlight was a request that Kenya ensures a harmonization of fees charged on Ugandan students at its public universities.

The agreements were a result discussions between officials of both countries under the Kenya-Uganda Joint Ministerial Commission that began on March 21st in Kenya.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Sam Kutesa, led the Uganda team while his Kenyan counterpart, Monica Juma, headed her country’s team.

Uganda’s delegation also included Presidency Minister Esther Mbayo, Deputy Attorney General Mwesigwa Rukutana, Internal Affairs State Minister Obiga Kania and Housing State Minister Chris Baryomunsi.

We are solving problems- Museveni

Speaking during the bilateral discussions at Mombasa State House, shortly before the agreements were signed, President Museveni said his trip to Kenya was important because it was solving people’s real problems.

“I thank President Uhuru for inviting me on this visit. It is not just about protocol. This visit will solve our people’s problems. I see a lot of work has been done.”

He commended the Kenyan government for its infrastructural undertakings that are supporting Uganda’s economy too.

“The Standard Gauge Railway will be soon get to Naivasha. The Kenyan government has allowed us to build a dry port there. They have also built a petroleum port in Kisumu, with a pipeline for general petroleum products and they are now working on one for aviation fuel. Lake Victoria, which was dormant will now come to life and we transport these fuels across the waters to Uganda,” said President Museveni.

He noted that developing the rail system and water transport will save the road networks from wear and tear, while reducing other hazards like accidents. “What we have been doing is get a tarmac road, pack it with cargo, destroy it then waste time fixing it. This will stop,” he said.

The President also encouraged the government technocrats to create more border points so that border populations do not have to travel long distances to find services, adding that whereas the agreements had agreed on some products to be sold across borders, the list could be expanded to include more items like blankets, shoes that are manufactured in Uganda.

Addressing a press briefing later, President Museveni commended President Uhuru for his Pan-African stand, especially facilitating trade between Uganda and Kenya.

“President Uhuru has been very supportive. When he came into office, he straight away handled our perennial problems of delays at Mombasa Port. Previously, some of the people at the port thought they were doing Uganda a favour by clearing our goods. They did not know they were sabotaging both Uganda and Kenya’s economies,” said Mr Museveni.

“Efficient handling of cargo is good for all our countries. The more business we do, the better for all of us. Maybe it is because of his business background but President Uhuru has made doing business between our countries much easier,” he added.

Uhuru, Mombasa welcome Museveni

On his part, President Kenyatta thanked his guest for honouring his invite, noting that its significance lay in the fact that President Museveni was the first visiting head of state to be treated to a state visit at the coastal city.

The importance was not lost to the residents, who lined up the streets of Mombasa, to catch sight of President Museveni, while cheering him on. From the airport to suburbs of Changamwe, Makande, Makupa, Saba Saba, Buxton, Kisimani, Bombolulu and the leafy area of Nyali, hundreds lined the streets despite the sweltering heat, to welcome their guest.

President Kenyatta said his government would do even more to ensure smooth trade between Uganda and Kenya, but urged technocrats from both countries to ensure that what had been agreed on is implemented in the given time frames.

He also indicated that President Museveni would be the first visiting head of state to use the Makadara Express train from Mombasa to Nairobi, when he boards the facility on Thursday afternoon.

His guest quipped, “It is an experience I am looking forward to.