Border facilities at the Kenya-Uganda main posts being overhauled and improved.

The Netherlands Ambassador to Uganda, Alphons Hennekens recently said, “The integrated border system which will be supported by this facility will eliminate duplication of services on both Uganda and Kenya side and this means elimination of delays and time wastages at the border. One thing I know about investors, is that they hate bureaucracy in trade. What they want is to come here, pay their taxes and do trade without bein delayed by systems. I am convinced that Uganda is on track as far as trade and development are concerned.”

Alex Mbanga, the site supervisor at the facility, said there are many expected advantages from the facility which is 80% complete and due to be fully functionally in March, this year.

“This integrated border system will enhance service delivery by coordinating all clearance agencies thereby eliminating duplication of services at the border which will definitely reduce on transit time thus attracting more investors in Uganda. The harmonized procedures on Kenyan and Uganda’ side creates predictability in times of time and money on the side of the trader. This is good for Uganda and the East African Community,” he said.

Edith Mwanje, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of East African Community Affair, said, “We are moving forward. I can now say we are heading for better days. The integrated community of East Africa is a very demanding system. When the statesmen thought of creating a one bigger community, they did not wonder if all communities were ready to absorb this development. Now we are in competition with our counterparts and all this developments at the URA and in trade are very crucial for a small Uganda in the bigger East African Community. That’s why we have to embraces our investors with both hands because we need more money for more developments.”

Source: East African Business Week

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.