Malaba Border Gridlock: Truckers Blame URA's Reinstated Cargo Seals

Malaba border has been plunged into chaos for three days straight, with a staggering 35-kilometer queue of cargo trucks stretching into Kenya. Truck drivers, transporters, and clearing agents are pointing fingers at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) for its decision to reinstate metallic electronic cargo seals, a move they claim is crippling regional trade.

The once-bustling East African gateway is now a scene of prolonged delays. The URA maintains that the metallic seals are crucial to combatting cargo theft, a problem that reportedly escalated when the seals were temporarily suspended. However, industry stakeholders argue that the new procedure significantly slows down the clearance process.

Previously, electronic seals were applied at the point of loading. Now, each truck requires an additional metallic seal at the border, dramatically increasing the time it takes to process vehicles. Truckers report facing harsh conditions, including a lack of food, sanitation, and safe resting places, with some even falling victim to criminal activity while stranded.

Transporters are facing substantial financial losses due to increased fuel consumption and the risk of perishable goods spoiling. Clearing agents confirm a drastic drop in daily truck clearances, from around 1,500-1,600 trucks to approximately 750. Trucking associations have issued an ultimatum, warning of suspended operations if the issue isn’t resolved swiftly, threatening the vital Northern Corridor trade route.

While URA’s Eastern Region Manager, Abbey Mawerere, acknowledged the disruption and assured efforts to clear the backlog, industry players remain unconvinced, calling for the immediate suspension of the reinstated system and better consultation on such policy changes.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/356006/malaba-traffic-snarl-deepens-as-ura-defends-reinstated-cargo-seals