President Museveni and his Kenyan counterpart His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, have commissioned the one-stop border post at Busia, the second busiest entry point for Uganda.
The event was held on Sunday afternoon and is aimed to improve physical border infrastructure, harmonise working procedures, fast customs processing and information sharing at the border.
Speaking at the event, president Museveni said that for a long time, Africans have been asleep but what we have done today shows that Africa is getting out of slumber.
“Lack of unity, coupled with these border separations, have had catastrophic consequences on us. This explains my push for integration of East Africa and Africa. Integration ensures prosperity of our people through trade and services. This one-stop border will make it easy for trade to happen.” He said.
He added that Peace and security is another reason for integration citing that We are stronger and safer when we are united as a region.
“Integration is also because of our brotherliness. We share ethnicity across the border. We are brothers. There are Samia, Luo, Itesot, Bagisu in Kenya and Uganda. We should not let these artificial demarcation (geographical borders) divide us.” He added.
The Busia facility will be improved. For example, we need X-ray technology to check loaded trucks and stop this method of manual checking. We need to use modern technology.
“We are also working on using radar stations on the lake to curb fish smuggling and catching immature fish. We shall repair the bad sections of Busia- Kampala road and repair the railway to ensure smooth transportation for passengers and goods.” Museveni revealed.
