Malaba clearing agents strike

By Faustine Odeke     

Clearance of cargo on Wednesday came to a standstill at Malaba border after clearing agents went on strike protesting against the decision by Uganda Revenue Authority to scale down on the volume of IM4 consignments cleared at Malaba.

IM4 consignments are cargo whose taxes are being paid in Malaba will be scaled down beginning November 1and transferred to Jinja and Kampala. Malaba is the main entry point to the great lakes region.

Over 500 agents began with a peaceful demonstration that paralyzed the entire activity at the customs as they vowed never to lodge any entries in customs until when the decision is suspended.

Desperate stranded transporters stood helpless by their trucks watching the agents who never bothered to reach to them.

Carrying placards the agents matched through Malaba town before heading to URA customs yard where they were addressed by officer in charge of Malaba police, Joseph Mwesigye and URA Eastern regional Manager Geofrey Balamaga.

Dozens of anti-riot police officers were deployed in the town and the customs to avert the possibility of demonstrations turning violent.