Museveni Urges East Africa to Eliminate Trade Barriers to Strengthen Regional Market

President Yoweri Museveni has urged East African countries to eliminate trade barriers and reject protectionist policies, saying restrictions on cross-border trade are weakening the East African Common Market and limiting economic opportunities for businesses and citizens.

The President made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving credentials from four newly appointed diplomats at State House Entebbe. The diplomats included Kenya’s High Commissioner-designate, Ababu Namwamba, South Korea’s Ambassador-designate, Sangho Lee, Tanzania’s High Commissioner-designate, Maj. Gen. Marco Elisha Gaguti, and Namibia’s High Commissioner-designate, Gabriel Pandureni Sinimbo.

During discussions with the Kenyan envoy, Mr Museveni said regional economic integration can only succeed if member states allow the free movement of goods and services across their borders.

He noted that high taxes and restrictions on goods traded within East Africa undermine the common market and negatively affect both businesses and consumers.

“The United States started with only 13 states but eventually expanded to 50. That large market has made it one of the strongest economies in the world. East Africa should learn from such examples and continue building a strong common market,” Mr Museveni said.

The President pointed to Uganda’s decision to continue allowing imports of Tanzanian rice despite concerns from local rice farmers, who have previously called for restrictions because of the commodity’s lower prices.

According to Mr Museveni, banning the imports would have harmed Tanzanian producers, denied Ugandan consumers access to more affordable rice, and reduced competition among local producers.

He argued that regional integration requires countries to prioritise long-term economic growth over short-term protectionist interests.

His remarks come amid recurring trade disputes within the East African Community (EAC), where member states have at times accused one another of imposing non-tariff barriers that hinder the free movement of goods.

Kenya’s High Commissioner-designate, Mr Namwamba, said strengthening trade ties between Uganda and Kenya would be among his top priorities to promote sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

“Commercial diplomacy is going to be at the top of my priorities during my tenure to promote and increase the volume of trade between the two countries,” he said.

He also pledged to champion the free movement of goods between the two neighbouring countries, saying the removal of unnecessary trade barriers would benefit businesses and citizens on both sides of the border.

The East African Business Council estimates that trade restrictions cost the region billions of dollars each year in lost economic opportunities.

During a separate meeting, South Korea’s Ambassador-designate, Mr Lee, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Uganda.

“Among my priorities is to ensure cooperation deepens between the two countries in areas of mutual interest while building on decades of friendly relations,” he said.

Mr Museveni used the occasion to reflect on Uganda’s long-standing ties with both South Korea and North Korea, noting that Korean professionals have worked in Uganda for decades.

“Koreans have been here since 1966. I remember when I was in secondary school, many Korean doctors came to Uganda. We are very happy with South Korea, and we have good relations with North Korea as well,” he said.

The President also received credentials from Tanzania’s Maj. Gen. Gaguti and Namibia’s Mr Sinimbo, both of whom pledged to strengthen cooperation between their countries and Uganda.

“Uganda remains committed to working closely with friendly nations in advancing shared development goals and promoting regional stability,” Mr Museveni said.

The presentation of credentials formally authorises ambassadors and high commissioners to represent their respective countries in Uganda and marks the official start of their diplomatic assignments.