By Spy Uganda
Uganda and Kenya have reached a landmark agreement to eliminate all tariff and non-tariff barriers that have long hindered trade between the two neighboring nations.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting between Uganda’s State Minister for Trade, Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Trade, H.E. Lee Kinyanjui, held at Mbale Resort Hotel from August 29–30, 2025.
In a joint resolution, the ministers directed that all goods originating from either country be classified as transfers rather than imports, effectively exempting them from duties. They further agreed to scrap discriminatory excise taxes, levies, and other charges that had created artificial restrictions on cross-border trade. Both sides also recommitted to fully implementing trade-related obligations under the East African Community (EAC) Treaty and Protocols.
Ahead of the talks, the ministers toured the Uganda–Kenya borders at Malaba and Busia, where they engaged with border agencies on practical challenges affecting trade flows. Key issues raised included congestion, long queues, and administrative delays that continue to burden traders and transporters.
Speaking after the meeting, Gen. Mbadi said the resolution marks a significant step toward boosting intra-EAC trade and strengthening economic integration. “This agreement will not only ease the cost of doing business but also promote prosperity and unity among our people,” he noted.
His Kenyan counterpart, H.E. Kinyanjui, emphasized the importance of dismantling artificial barriers that undermine regional trade. “Uganda and Kenya are not just trading partners but strategic allies. By removing these obstacles, we are unlocking opportunities for our farmers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs on both sides,” he said.
The breakthrough is expected to greatly improve cross-border trade efficiency, benefiting businesses, consumers, and the wider East African economy.
