Uganda is urging Kenya to remove barriers that hinder the movement of people and goods and reduce the cost of air travel between the two countries, saying such obstacles are limiting the growth of trade and tourism.
Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, Ambassador Herbert Kiguli, said smoother cross-border movement was critical to unlocking greater economic opportunities within the East African Community.
He said the continued presence of non-tariff barriers, coupled with what he described as unnecessary questioning at policy and border levels, was undermining regional integration efforts.
Kiguli cited Article 104 of the East African Community Treaty, which provides for the movement of people and goods across the regional bloc.
He also called on Kenya and Uganda to reconsider the cost of flying between the two countries by reducing charges that make regional air travel expensive.
“Regional journeys should be treated more like domestic trips. If the international tax component is reduced, more people will be able to fly between the two countries and access attractions such as national parks,” he said.
The envoy said Mombasa remained an important gateway for Uganda because of its role in handling cargo destined for the landlocked country.
He estimated that about 60 per cent of Uganda’s transit cargo passes through the port.
“We want to support our traders and help resolve difficulties that arise along the supply chain,” Kiguli said.
Beyond agriculture, Uganda is seeking investors in agro-processing and petrochemical manufacturing as it prepares to begin exploiting its oil resources.
Kiguli said the country was particularly interested in attracting manufacturers capable of establishing industries around crude oil processing.
Uganda is expected to produce its first oil this year, creating opportunities for investment in industries that can convert crude oil into other products, he said.
The two countries are also being encouraged to market their tourism attractions as part of a single regional experience rather than competing for the same visitors.
Kiguli said Kenya’s coastal attractions could be combined with Uganda’s wildlife and inland tourism sites, including mountain gorillas, white-water rafting and the source of the Nile.
He argued that such packages could encourage international visitors to spend more time in East Africa instead of limiting their trips to a single destination.
“Visitors who come to the Kenyan Coast could be encouraged to add Uganda to their itinerary, allowing them to spend several more days in the region and increase their local expenditure,” he said.
Uganda is also courting businesses based at the Coast to invest in hotels and other tourism facilities within its national parks under the “Coast to the Bush” concept.
The initiative seeks to link tourists arriving in Mombasa with attractions in Uganda, allowing them to extend their holidays beyond the Kenyan Coast.
The Ugandan mission is also promoting direct air links between Mombasa and Uganda through Uganda Airlines, while highlighting attractions such as the Namugongo Uganda Martyrs Shrine.
Kiguli said improving mobility would feature prominently in discussions at the forthcoming Kenya-Uganda summit in Mombasa as the neighbouring countries seek to strengthen economic ties.
The discussions are expected to focus on practical measures to make cross-border movement easier while creating more opportunities for businesses, travellers and tourists in both countries.
