By Spy Uganda
Following the closure of Rwanda borders to Uganda something that left Uganda nursing wounds of export losses, Burundi’s ministry of commerce has banned maize grain and flour imports for the next six months starting 8 March.
Burundi’s decision comes few days after Kenya declaring a ban on Ugandan maize over poor quality something the Burundian government says led to their decision as well.
Burundi’s statement from the ministry said recently; “imported maize was found to be “not good” and could affect people’s health.” It didn’t specify which countries the imports were from.
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“While this grain and flour is being rejected by neighboring countries… we need to make sure that it does not enter the country,’’ said Jeremie Banigwaninzigo, the permanent secretary in Burundi’s ministry for commerce and tourism.
Much of Burundi’s maize imports are from Uganda and Zambia – but it’s not clear to what extent the country relies on imports to satisfy its needs.
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The central African nation has had a good yield from the last crop season, the official said, reassuring consumers that the commodity would be available even with the ban.
Maize is a staple food in parts of Burundi while its bran is used to feed cattle.
