There has emerged a tussle between Kenya and Uganda governments after Kenyan officials reportedly impounded dairy products worth over Sh36 million which were being imported from the neighboring country Uganda.
Ugandan government has accused Kenya of violating the East African Community (EAC) protocols. Kenyan officials confiscated 46,000 kilos of powdered milk, in addition to 262,632 litres of Lato brand milk.
"Uganda republican government is protesting how Kenyan authorities have deliberately continued imposing restrictions not warranted over importation of Uganda's milk and its products to Kenya," read a letter from Ugandan Foreign Affairs' Ministry addressed to the Kenya High Commission in Kampala.
"Uganda is highly concerned over the seizure of its milk Lato brand by Kenyan authorities, under basis that it was counterfeit, contraband and even sub-standard," the letter read.
Uganda termed the confiscation as unjust because the goods had already been cleared.
"The Ministry notes the execution for illegal seizure, despite goods having been cleared for entry into Kenya by Kenya Livestock and Fisheries, Kenya revenue Authority, Kenya Dairy Board, Port Health Services and Kenya Bureau of Standards," read the letter.
Uganda is now demanding for the release of the impounded milk, stoppage for any operations specifically targeting Ugandan milk as well as compensation to Pearl Dairy Farm for any losses suffered following the seizure.
The milk seizure issue adds to number, the increased several disputes over EAC members, something which has raised eyebrows over sickening trade relations in the regional trade bloc.