UGANDAN businesspeople and residents of Mutukula have protested the US$100 (about sh180,000) charged by the Tanzanian Revenue Authority (TRA), as visa fees for non-Tanzanians crossing the border.
The business community, while meeting the East African Legislative Assembly committee on communications, trade and investment at Mutukula border post on Tuesday, said the charge was exploitative and demanded that the matter be presented to the assembly immediately for resolution.
Under the East African Community, citizens of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania have been crossing the respective borders without visa requirements.
The committee chaired by George Nangale (Tanzania) is conducting working visits and public hearing workshops at major border posts in the three states.
Nangale said a number of problems had been identified in the implementation of the Customs Union and the committee would recommend measures.
Area LC1 chairperson Asiimwe Wasswa, in a memorandum presented to the committee, said the fees defeated the spirit of the federation that advocates free movement of citizens of the member states.
He said Tanzanians living and crossing to work in Uganda were treated properly, while Ugandans received hostility from the other side.
Ugandans protest Tz US$100 visa fees
