By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Legislators have called for reciprocation against Kenya following the ban of Uganda’s maize last week. The Members of Parliament says the Kenyan government has banned other commodities like milk, eggs, and sugarcane.
Kenya in a statement last week banned the importation of maize from Uganda citing high levels of aflatoxins which pose a threat to humans. This has seen over 150 trucks of maize stuck at the border.
MPs however, rejected such the justification following the ban on other commodities saying Kenya was disguising under quality to push for an agenda that the Ugandan government should unearth.
Busia Municipality MP, Hon Geoffrey Macho who raised a matter of national importance said Kenya’s action will not only hurt trade in the region but the spirit of the East African Community integration.
“We see this as a big joke aimed to hinder the East African Community. It is a big shame, Kenya should separate development from politics,” Macho said.
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Macho called for a ban on mangoes, Irish potatoes, and rice from Kenya adding, “Kenya must stop the trade wars”.
Bugweri County MP, Hon Abdu Katuntu said that their benefits of the integration process are not seen with these bans by the Kenyan government calling for action from the Ugandan side.
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“Trade is of mutual benefit. We are not ready to be bullied by Kenya and we are not being done a favor by trading with Kenya,” Katuntu said adding that, “this is not about quality, this is protectionism, it seems Kenya government is trying to protect its farmers.”
