Nandala says his presidency will ease cross-border trade

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At the Kenya-Uganda Malaba border in Tororo district, traders say they are counting losses and frustrated by what they describe as unequal trade relations and harassment by revenue and security officials.

Residents say Malaba trading centre, which heavily contributes to cross-border business, remains choked by corruption, insecurity, and poor infrastructure, leaving the community around it underdeveloped despite the millions collected daily in taxes.

“We pay a lot of taxes, but the environment is harsh. URA [Uganda Revenue Authority] officials delay us, you can take two weeks waiting for clearance and this is majorly with local traders, foreigners are always favoured, at the side of Kenya, the same system takes hours and even way too cheaper than in our own country, look through Malaba, the whole trading centre is dirty and smelling and yet government collects a lot of money.” David Wamono told New Vision at a rally in Malaba trading centre.

“This border point brings in billions every year, yet look at our streets are dirty, have no lighting and no public toilets. We need leaders who understand that development should begin where the money is collected,” textiles trader Moses Otim said, on November 5, 2025.

These are some of the voices heard during Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential flag-bearer James Nathan Nandala Mafabi's campaign in the area.

Mafabi was in the districts of Namisindwa and Tororo areas where he has deep political and social roots, since these areas are directly tied to Bugisu region and Eastern Uganda. 

Border reforms

In response to the above cries, Mafabi promised to reform cross-border trade systems and strengthen agricultural productivity, pledges that connected strongly with traders and farmers who turned up in large numbers to listen to him.

“Cross-border trade must work for the ordinary Ugandan, not against them. When we take leadership, trade between Uganda and Kenya will become transparent, fair and profitable for everyone involved.” 

He noted that the FDC government would ease the clearance of goods, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensure that tax revenues benefit local communities through improved infrastructure, cleaner town centres, and better markets.

“I am a businessperson and I have been one for many years. You are speaking to someone who knows exactly what you go through. I come with a solution. Part of the taxes collected will come back here to develop the area,” he said.

Mafabi’s visit on Wednesday marked his second return to the two districts after earlier rallies in late October. His latest tour began in Bumbo and Lwakhakha town council in Namisindwa before crossing into Malaba town in Tororo where thousands turned up to welcome the son of the region.

Peaceful rallies

Unlike the chaotic scenes in Budaka district a day earlier, where clashes between FDC and suspected NUP supporters forced EC Police to fire live bullets in the air, Namisindwa and Tororo rallies were peaceful.

Throughout Namisindwa to Malaba-Tororo districts, Mafabi was welcomed with jubilation, which paralysed traffic. Youths, women and elders sang Gishu traditional song kadodi and waved FDC flags as they escorted his convoy to the rallying grounds.

“We heard he had been in Namisindwa town and felt bad that he hadn’t reached here. A true leader listens and returns to his people, that’s why we love him,” said Daniel Wejuli, a resident of Bumbo trading centre.

At Lwakhakha and Malaba, Mafabi pledged to streamline cross-border trade and eliminate unnecessary restrictions that burden small-scale traders.

He also promised to prioritise agricultural development in Namisindwa district, especially coffee growing, a crop he described as a game-changer that would put money in their pockets.

“You are hardworking farmers, yet many lose their property due to uncertainties. We shall introduce farmers’ insurance and strengthen cooperative unions,” he said.

“What you need are access roads, affordable fertilisers, and stable market prices. Once elected, we shall support farmer cooperatives and make agriculture profitable again,” Mafabi noted.

Namisindwa Woman MP seat flag-bearer Sela Nabalayo, 21, praised Nandala for his humility and guidance to young leaders.

“He is not just campaigning; he teaches us about leadership, discipline, and service. He has personally guided and corrected me: That’s true mentorship,” she said.

Katakwi in Mafabi's sight

Mafabi will take his campaign to the districts of Katakwi and Napak today, November 7, as he seeks to unseat incumbent President Yoweri Museveni come January 15, 2026.

Government efforts

According to the trade ministry, these same complaints were addressed on September 7, 2025, when ministers from Uganda and Kenya met to address long-standing complaints of delays, corruption and congestion at the Malaba and Busia border points.

During the meeting, the ministers directed that all products originating between the two countries be treated as transfers rather than imports, a move aimed at reducing unnecessary taxes and delays. They also committed to fully implementing trade-related commitments under the East African Community (EAC) Treaty and Customs Union Protocol.

“We have agreed to remove all indiscriminatory excise duties, levies, and other charges of equivalent effect. All duties and charges contrary to the EAC Customs Union Protocol are going to be dropped by both countries,”  Uganda trade minister John Mbadi.

Among the levies to be scrapped is the 10% tax Uganda had been charging on maize bran, wheat bran, and cotton cake, commonly imported from Kenya.

At Malaba, traders and truck drivers highlighted persistent challenges, including multiple checkpoints, overlapping queues, and understaffed agencies. The ministers ordered that border congestion be cleared within 24 hours and directed URA, KRA, and UNBS to streamline clearance, upgrade roads, and establish a joint technical committee to monitor trade flow.

The reforms, endorsed by Presidents Museveni and Kenya's William Ruto, are intended to transform Uganda–Kenya trade from a barrier into a bridge of regional prosperity.