It is business as usual at Malaba/Busia borders

Feb 17, 2016

Some of the Kenyans of Indian origin said they were only going back to Kenya for the holiday after their places of work were closed to business until Sunday

Business is as normal at the Malaba and Busia borders contrary to allegations that hundreds of foreigners are fleeing the country in fear of the anticipated violence during elections.

Both customs and immigration officials including clearing agents have clarified that the two border points are running normally without any kind of interruption.

Charles Nuwamanya, the Malaba immigration supervisor, said they have only been receiving a few Kenyans of Indian origin doing business in Uganda returning back to Kenya for holidays.

Nuwamanya rubbished those individuals who are trying to alarm the situation by insinuating that so many people are fleeing the country ahead of the election.

enyans of ndian origin returning to enya for holidays clearing at alaba immigration department hoto by austine deke Kenyans of Indian origin returning to Kenya for holidays clearing at Malaba immigration department. Photo by Faustine Odeke

 

"Since you came have you seen anybody fleeing the country? We are operating normally as usual and there is no cause for alarm," Nuwamanya told the New Vision at his officer.

Some of the Kenyans of Indian origin whom New Vision spoke to, but preferred anonymity, said they were only going back to Kenya for the holiday after their places of work were closed to business until Sunday when they are expected to return back to work by Monday.

Milton Rahuka, the Uganda Revenue Authority [URA] Eastern regional manager said the customs operations are flowing without any kind of interruptions.

He said despite in the previous elections where importers were scared to transacting business during the election season for fear of their goods being destroyed in the post election violence, this time round cargo trucks are entering into the country without any problem.

"Just like everybody is entitled to exercise their constitutional rights to vote for their rightful candidates, even some my staff and the transporters have returned back to their respective places to cast their votes'' Rahuka said.

Yovan Manghara the Malaba chairman of clearing and forwarding agents association said business community have regained confidence following constant assurance by the security agencies that they will be no post election violence.

He said both importers and transporters are not scared and are doing their normal transaction as usual.

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