Headline:
Uganda-Kenya Border Strike Causes Shs35 Billion Loss as Truck Drivers Protest Leader’s Arrest
Subheading:
Malaba border disruption highlights tensions over alleged harassment of cross-border transporters
Malaba, East Africa – A one-day strike by truck drivers at the Uganda-Kenya border this week brought trade to a standstill, costing an estimated Shs35 billion in lost revenue and leaving long queues of stranded vehicles along the highway.
The protest erupted after the arrest of Sudi Kauli Mwatela, Chairperson of the Long-Distance Drivers’ Union, who was detained at the Elegu border over accusations of inciting violence. Drivers blocked the busy Malaba crossing with their trucks, paralyzing movement between the two countries for hours.
Standstill at a Critical Trade Hub
The Malaba border is one of East Africa’s busiest trade corridors, handling hundreds of trucks daily transporting goods from Kenya’s Port of Mombasa to landlocked nations like Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
During the strike, the usually bustling One Stop Border Post fell silent. Perishable goods, including tomatoes and mangoes, rotted in trucks under the scorching sun, compounding losses for traders.
Drivers Demand Fair Treatment
Mwatela was later released and returned to Malaba on Monday, where cheering drivers welcomed him. Speaking after his release, he condemned what he called systemic harassment by security personnel at border points.
“Drivers face unnecessary stoppages, intimidation, and illegal charges every day,” Mwatela said. “If these issues aren’t resolved, more protests will follow.”
His arrest had ignited fury among transporters, who claim they are routinely mistreated while navigating cross-border routes.
Economic Fallout and Official Response
Abbey Mawerere, Uganda Revenue Authority’s (URA) Regional Manager for Eastern Uganda, confirmed the strike caused a Shs35 billion revenue loss. He criticized the drivers’ union for escalating tensions without formal engagement with authorities.
“The drivers should have approached security agencies through proper channels instead of disrupting trade,” Mawerere said.
Despite the resumption of traffic, concerns linger. Drivers warn that without government intervention to address harassment and corruption at borders, future disruptions are inevitable.
Broader Implications for Regional Trade
The Malaba strike underscores vulnerabilities in East Africa’s supply chains, where delays can ripple across multiple economies. With Uganda heavily reliant on Kenyan ports, prolonged disruptions risk deepening economic strain in the region.
As trucks slowly roll back into motion, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between law enforcement and the rights of transporters who keep regional commerce moving.
— Reported by Nexio News
