Opposition Chief Whip Urges Ugandan Traders in Kenya to Return Home

Opposition Chief Whip Paul Mwiru has expressed support for Kenya’s recent directives aimed at restricting foreign nationals from engaging in small-scale businesses. Mwiru urged Ugandan traders affected by these measures to consider returning to Uganda and investing their skills and capital locally.

President William Ruto of Kenya initiated the directive, stating that small-scale businesses, such as hawking and retail, should be reserved for Kenyan citizens. While Kenya remains open to foreign investment in larger ventures, the move caused uncertainty among foreign traders.

Kenya’s government has since introduced a 90-day window for foreign nationals to regularize their immigration status, work permits, and business registrations, emphasizing compliance rather than outright expulsion. Despite this clarification, some Ugandan traders have reportedly left Kenya due to the initial uncertainty.

Mwiru views this situation as an opportunity for Uganda to attract its citizens back. He believes the government should foster an environment that supports investment and job creation, making Uganda a more attractive destination than neighboring countries. “Please come back home and make our country better,” Mwiru stated.

He also raised questions about Uganda’s own investment policies, suggesting that the country should better protect employment opportunities for its citizens. Mwiru called for a system where investors are evaluated not only on the capital they bring but also on the number of jobs they create for Ugandans.

This stance highlights a tension within the East African Community (EAC) integration agenda, which promotes the free movement of people and labor. Mwiru acknowledged the contradiction, suggesting that EAC ideals are difficult to realize when national economic interests often take precedence.

He stressed the importance of Pan-Africanism, arguing that African nations should protect each other’s citizens. However, he noted the current reality where domestic economic pressures can lead to restrictions on regional mobility.

The ultimate challenge for Uganda, according to Mwiru, is to create a domestic economy robust enough to retain and attract its citizens, ensuring they have viable opportunities at home rather than seeking them abroad.

Source: Nile Post