Uganda traders seek a ban on Kenyan direct farm produce purchases

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Ugandan traders want a ban on Kenyans sourcing farm produce straight from the gardens.  

As of March and April 2026, there are significant movements in East Africa, particularly within Uganda, to block Kenyan traders from buying fruit and other agricultural produce directly from farms and gardens. 

This initiative is being driven by complaints from local farmers regarding exploitation, low pricing, and poor handling of produce, with officials calling for these transactions to be restricted to designated markets or at the border rather than directly at the farm gate.

The call to have Kenyan traders blocked from accessing Ugandan farmers directly on their farms was made by Richard Welishe, Director of Mobilisation, National Avocado Federation of Uganda.

"These Kenyan traders have become a problem because they deal directly with farmers while others buy produce before it matures,” Welishe said.

Welishe argued that Kenyan traders (often middlemen) go directly into local farms to purchase items like watermelons, sugarcane, and other produce, leading to exploitation, poor prices for farmers, and food insecurity.

The officials have called on the Ministry of Trade to stop Kenyan traders from going directly to farmers' gardens.

Welishe suggests forcing traders to wait at the border or use local buying centres/collectives to ensure fair pricing and proper quality control.

This move highlights tensions within the East African Community (EAC) regarding cross-border trade, with some officials calling for protections for local producers while others note the risks of disrupting regional trade.

Farmers in regions such as Tororo, Elgon, Teso, Karamoja and Bukedi in Uganda accuse Kenyan traders of bypassing local markets and underpaying, claiming these traders take advantage of high demand to dictate low prices directly on the farm.

Local authorities in areas like Elgon in Uganda have raised concerns that Kenyan traders do not properly handle produce when buying directly, which compromises the quality.

However, experts said that a blanket ban on Kenyan traders could face legal challenges under the EAC Common Market Protocol, which prohibits restrictions on the movement of goods.

"If enforced, this ban would disrupt the supply chains for Kenyan traders who rely on direct sourcing to cut costs and ensure freshness," state minister for East African Community James Magode Ikuya said.

Forcing transactions through intermediaries or regulated centres could increase transportation and logistics costs, which already account for 30–40% of export values for Kenyan perishable goods.

This situation remains fluid, with calls for a "balanced, multi-sectoral approach" to protect local farmers without completely destroying cross-border trade, reported Nile Post.

State Minister for East African Community, James Magode Ikuya, has said that Africa should unite to transform its economic, political, and security landscape, aiming to transform from a resource-exporting continent into a global powerhouse. 

Magode made the call while addressing stakeholders meeting at the district chambers in Mbale city, organised by the East African Community ministry.

Magode noted that key drivers include accelerating economic integration (like the AfCFTA) by increasing bargaining power in global affairs and ensuring regional security, and fostering sustainable development.

"A united Africa creates a massive, unified market. By integrating economies, Africa can move away from relying on external powers for economic and political support," Magode said.

Magode also noted that key projects include the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aimed at increasing intra-African trade.

He said that a united continent can better harness its wealth in resources like gold, oil, and cobalt to improve the lives of its citizens, rather than relying on exploitation by foreign powers.

He added that a collective, united military could combat terrorism and cross-border security threats more effectively, adding that it allows for collective conflict resolution and reduces reliance on foreign intervention.

"A unified African voice can better protect its interests on the global stage, allowing it to participate more effectively in international negotiations on climate change and finance, especially with initiatives like G20 membership," Magide said.

He also said that a united Africa empowers the African people by reclaiming the "African Personality" and fostering cultural rebirth, as championed by pioneers like Kwame Nkrumah.

He revealed the key challenges to unity. Despite the benefits, uniting Africa faces challenges, including Diversity and Borders.

"Africa is highly diverse with many languages and ethnic groups, and borders established by colonial powers often hinder integration," Magode said.

Magode said that some leaders fear losing sovereignty and control over their own nations, hence affecting a united Africa. 

He said that weak governance and the need for stronger enforcing mechanisms for bodies like the African Union (AU) to see the dream of a united Africa come true.

"Uniting is seen as a way to transition from a continent with 54 divided nations to a cohesive entity, strengthening its economy and security," Magode said.

"Developing designated stopover stages and Roadside Stations (RSS) for transit cargo is a strategic approach for city authorities to unlock revenue, enhance road safety, and boost local economies." Muhammad Mafabi, Mbale LC5 Chairperson, said. 

"By providing controlled environments for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), local governments can move away from relying solely on parking fees and tap into more sustainable income sources," Mafabi said.

He said that Mbale city authorities should implement parking fees for HGVs at gazetted stations along the Mbale-Kumi highway in Busajjabwankuba.

Mbale should lease space by providing spaces for fueling stations, restaurants, hotels, and maintenance facilities at the stations.

"Leasing Land for Infrastructure, Renting space for essential services like cell towers. Logistics Services. Offering secure storage for transit goods in bonded and non-bonded warehouses," he said.

"Moving trucks off the road shoulders prevents safety risks and reduces damage to local roads," Mafabi said. 

He said that Improved Security for Cargo by Designating stops to reduce risks to cargo, drivers, and the community.

He said that improving stages creates direct employment for residents and supports local businesses through increased demand for services.

He added that it will allow easy monitoring of dangerous goods and ensure compliance with axle load.

He said that authorities should collaborate with private developers to build and operate, and allow local governments to earn revenue while reducing capital expenditure.

Developing facilities with secure parking, restaurants, restrooms, and maintenance capabilities. Integrating with Logistics Hubs.

Authorities should introduce bylaws to prevent parking on road shoulders, forcing the use of authorised facilities.

"For example, in Uganda, the development of roadside stations is a priority for the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Co-ordination Authority to improve efficiency and generate local revenue," Mafabi said.