Dorothy Okware Vows to Address Challenges Faced by Businessmen at Busia Border

By Abraham Lincolns

Busia

Business people  at the Eastern border  district of  Busia are yet to get a relief after facing a variety of challenges for decades suffering with a political vacuum and poor representation in the National house.

Dorothy Okware, the aspiring Woman Member of Parliament for Busia district has

vowed to table all the touching challenges affecting the business community at the border district of Busia where politicians have failed to address crucial issues on the floor of parliament.

While addressing her supports in Sikuda Sub County, Busia district, Okware said that her electorates have lagged behind due to issues like non-tariff trade barriers and enforcement mismanagement leading to trade disruptions thus reducing profits, and increasing operational costs.

“It requires bravery to stand on the floor of parliament and address issues affecting

your people. For decades, Busia people have fallen victims of trade distractions, reduced profits, and increased operational costs yet Busia is one of the biggest tax

bases for our economy.

Other key challenges faced by businessmen at the border point include unequal market access, aggressive operations by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), informal trade and inadequate infrastructure.

Okware noted that the Busia border is a vital trade route for East Africa but Kenyan customers who are the major market for Ugandan traders, stopped crossing to Uganda to buy goods due to the high prices and high revenues.

“When the Kenyan Shilling depreciates, it becomes more expensive for Kenyan

businessmen to buy goods from Uganda, leading to lower demand and reduced

profit margins for Ugandan exporters”, She asserted adding that the volatility of the

Kenyan Shilling against the Ugandan Shilling significantly impacts profitability for

traders on both sides.

When asked on the business stoppages at the border Okware said she’s ready to

table a private member’s bill on revenue roadblocks and security operations

resulting in substantial financial losses for traders due to long queues of trucks and

significant delays in cargo movement, affecting perishable goods and fuel supplies.

Okware using a clock symbol is an independent NRM leaning candidate for the

woman MP seat battling to oust Hellen Auma Wandera (incumbent) others are  NUP’s Phanice Akello, NRM’s Janet Anyango Webby among others.