Parliament has directed finance minister, Matia Kasaija and industry state minister David Bahati to explain the steps being taken to mitigate possible spillover effects of the demonstrations in Kenya.

This was after MPs Solomon Silwany (Bukooli Central) and Geoffrey Macho (Busia Municipality) told Parliament that Ugandan traders were stranded at the border with hundreds of trucks because they are not allowed into Kenya as a result of the demonstrations.

Industry state minister David Bahati

“All Ugandans who are travelling to Kenya with goods are stuck. It is a very serious crisis. We need the Government to communicate the proposals they have taken before the situation gets worse,” Silwany said during plenary yesterday, March 21, 2023.

Background

Kenyans took to the streets on Monday, March 20, 2023, protesting what they called the country's high cost of living. Kenya's Opposition said the demonstrations will be held every Monday.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among

Curtailing crisis

MP Asinansi Nyakato (FDC, Hoima City) said fuel trucks have also been denied entry into Uganda and warned of a reocurrence of the fuel crisis.

“It is now three days; the trucks have been parked meaning that the challenge we had last year of a fuel crisis might happen again,” she said.

Macho informed the House chaired by Speaker Anita Among that the heavy deployment at the Uganda-Kenya border as a result of the demonstrations has affected trade and sources of livelihood of the communities living around the border.

“It is now four days and our people are not crossing because we have clans that belong to both countries, but they cannot even get water,” Macho said.

He called on the East African leaders to intervene and ensure stability is restored in the region. 

“The major principal for East African Community is stability and peace which build a major objective of East African co-operation of free movement of goods and services,” Macho added.

MP Solomon Silwany (Bukooli Central)

Kasaija riles MPs

When Kasaija was asked to explain the steps being taken, he said: “The issue will be handled when and as capacity has developed.”

His response angered the members who demanded that government presents a full statement on what is happening at the border and the steps being taken.

“ I observed the demeanour of the Minister of Finance while responding to the issues raised by members and his submission is not satisfactory. How can we sustain the economy in case Kenya [remains] in this crisis?” Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga said.

Bahati requested more time to present a comprehensive statement on the matter. 

“I want to request that we make a statement tomorrow [Thursday] about what is happening in our borders and the actions we are going to take,” Bahati said.