Ugandan High Commissioner to Kenya Phibby Otaala has called for the sensitization of locals living in areas that lie on the border of the East African Community (EAC) member States.
This, the ambassador says will help ensure the regional free trade is a success.
Speaking in Eldoret town during the opening of a cross-border trade fair and investment exhibition on Tuesday, Amb. Otaala expressed concerns that locals are yet to embrace the EAC free movement of goods.
She further lamented that Kenyans are always allowed to freely move and do business in Uganda but the same is not replicated when Ugandan citizens move in Kenya.
The ambassador, however, expressed optimism that a few hiccups facing the EAC free trade will be ironed out for all citizens in the region to benefit.
“Kenyans are always free to move into Uganda at Malaba border and sell their products ranging from earrings, Massai shukas and herbs among others but whenever a Ugandan even a boda-boda rider crosses to Kenya they are arrested,” Otaala said.
“These are the kinds of issues we need to address since I believe there will always be hiccups but if we work together they can be solved amicably,” she added.
The Ugandan Ambassador to Kenya further revealed the possibility of the embassy opening an office in Eldoret town in a move that would target strengthening trade ties between Uganda and devolved units in the North Rift and Western Kenya.