By Weswa Ronnie
LWAKHAKHA
Business came to a standstill at Lwakhakha Uganda-Kenya border in Namisindwa district after two main rival customs agency workers clashed over trucks.
The clash that occurred yesterday 7th February, 2022 resulted into 6 kilometers line congestion of trucks which were entering into Kenya from Uganda and those coming with goods from Kenya for about one day.
The clash between Malaba Custom Agents and Lwakhakha Custom Agents arose after Lwakhakha border customs authorities stopped workers of Lwakhakha custom agents from working over unknown reasons for three days.
Angered, workers of Lwakhakha custom agents stopped the clearing by threatening to beat up Malaba custom agents.
According to Shaban Namulesi, the Lwakhakha Town Council Youth Chairperson also one of the affected custom agent, they decided to paralyze the truck clearance because the operations were being carried out in an unfair manner.
He accuses Lwakhakha custom branch under Uganda Revenue Authority of denying them business but instead opted to use Malaba border custom agents yet they have the same skills.
David Kyabi, another Lwakhakha Custom Agent also said that since the government stopped heavy trucks from entering into Kenya using Malaba border to Lwakhakha last month, Lwakhakha custom branch has sidelined local agencies like Lwakhakha custom agents and instead use others to clear trucks.
However, during the meeting which was chaired by area Member of Parliament, John Musila to look for a lasting solution, Peter Jekuju the in charge of the Lwakhakha branch allowed both agencies to work in shifts.
Jekuju said beginning today 8th February, 2022, the two Agencies will work a day each.
Musila expressed his happiness with the decision made by the in charge saying that this is going to end conflicts between the two parties.
He urged the two parties to agree with the in charge’s decision so that they will move with their business smoothly.
