By Henry Okello
MALABA/BUSIA
Cross-border trade jolted back to life on Monday afternoon, 11th May, 2026 after striking long-distance truck drivers called off a 17-hour protest that had paralyzed Malaba and Busia border points and cost Uganda an estimated Shs40 billion in revenue.
The strike, which began on Sunday at around 4:00 PM, was triggered by the detention of Sudi Kauli Mwatela, chairperson of the Long Distance Drivers Union.
Mwatela was reportedly held by Ugandan security personnel at Elegu border town over allegations of inciting violence.
His detention sparked outrage among drivers, who parked and abandoned trucks at border entry points, choking access into and out of Uganda and leaving long queues of cargo on both sides.
The standoff ended after Ugandan authorities handed Mwatela back to Kenyan officials at Malaba, a key demand by the drivers.
While handing over the union leader, Tororo Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Albert Amula appealed for calm and defended the security action.
“It is not true that Mr. Sudi, your leader, was arrested, but he was only being held to explain why trucks were not moving even after signing the memorandum of understanding with the government of South Sudan,” Amula said.
“However, we have brought him back safely, and we appeal to you to remain calm and allow trade to flow.”
Amula acknowledged drivers’ grievances, saying government was engaging neighbouring states to address harassment claims.
The truckers have long accused border security officials, particularly from Uganda and South Sudan, of mistreating Kenyan drivers along the Northern Corridor.
Abbey Mawerere, the Uganda Revenue Authority Eastern Regional Manager, said the 17-hour halt froze imports and exports, slashing customs duties, excise taxes, and other trade revenues.
“We cannot underestimate the effect of the strike because our records already indicate losses of over 40 billion shillings, besides other damages caused to perishable goods and medicines,” Mawerere said.
He added that medicines and perishables destined for Uganda and hinterland countries reliant on the Port of Mombasa were among the worst hit. URA is now racing to clear the backlog.
“We are optimistic that the accumulated cargo will be processed and traffic flow will return to normal,” Mawerere said.
With wheels turning again, drivers welcomed the resumption but pressed for deeper reforms, calling for an urgent review of the memorandum of understanding with South Sudanese authorities, specifically citing “express penalties related to road use” which they say are harsh and opaque.
The route from Mombasa through Malaba and Busia feeds Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and eastern DRC.
