- Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries, Mr. Frank Tumwebaze, has expressed concerns on the current taxes and levies charged on Ugandan dairy products by Kenya and Tanzania despite negotiation efforts.
- He pointed out that such steps could impact trade relations and the spirit of mutual co-operation among members of the East African Community.
- Since 2020, Uganda has struggled to sell its milk products in the two East African member states.
Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries, Mr. Frank Tumwebaze, has expressed concerns about the current taxes and levies charged on Ugandan dairy products by Kenya and Tanzania despite negotiation efforts. He pointed out that such steps could impact trade relations and the spirit of mutual co-operation among members of the East African Community. Since 2020, Uganda has struggled to sell its milk products in the two East African member states.
Tanzania levied about a hefty TShs 2,000 which has hampered Ugandan milk exports to Tanzania. In a letter addressed to the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Tanzania, Mr. Adolf Mkenda also raised the issue of 1.75 per cent of FOB (Free on Board), Tsh30, 000 application fees to the Tanzania Dairy Board and 18 per cent Value Added Tax for all dairy products. He lamented that despite many rounds of discussions between the two countries on the subject and the promised actions of removal of the same were not implemented.
A joint committee was set up to solve the impasse between Kenya and Uganda for milk product trade but could not come to a consensus.
