Uganda-Kenya Trade Dispute Escalates Over Impounded Fish Shipment

Summary:

• Uganda has seized a large consignment of Kenyan fish destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo, intensifying trade tensions between the two nations. Uganda’s Agriculture Minister cited concerns over smuggled immature fish. Kenyan exporters are calling on President William Ruto to address the issue, arguing it breaches East African Community trade agreements. This conflict follows recent efforts to improve bilateral trade relations between the countries.

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Uganda has impounded a large consignment of fish from Kenya, destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This move has intensified the ongoing trade row between the two East African nations.

Several trucks carrying the fish were seized near the Uganda-DRC border over the weekend, and their drivers were detained, according to reports from the Africa Report.

Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Protection Unit justified the action, citing reports that immature fish from Uganda were being smuggled into Kenya. The minister claimed that these fish were then repackaged and transported to the DRC via Uganda. He emphasized that Ugandan law prohibits the capture of Nile perch less than 50 cm in length.

Kenyan fish exporters have reacted with outrage, urging President William Ruto’s administration to intervene. “I took a loan from the bank to transport fish to DRC. Who will pay for these losses?” lamented one trader to the Africa Report.

The impounding of the fish has been criticized as a violation of East African Community bilateral trade agreements. Kenyan traders accuse the Ugandan administration of persistent harassment despite existing trade agreements between the two countries.

“That is our fish, we are only using their country as a transit route. Our trucks and drivers should be released,” demanded another trader.

This incident comes just two months after President William Ruto hosted Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for a state visit, during which the two leaders signed seven Memorandums of Understanding, including one aimed at facilitating seamless trade between their countries.

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