Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, has sought to reassure Ugandans living and doing business in Kenya following Nairobi’s 90-day directive requiring foreigners to regularise their immigration and business status.
Kadaga said the directive should not be interpreted as an order to remove Ugandans or other foreigners from Kenya, but rather as a measure aimed at ensuring that those operating in the country comply with Kenyan laws.
She urged Ugandans working and conducting business in Kenya to use the 90-day period to put their documentation in order, including obtaining the required work permits, business licences and other relevant permits.
Kadaga particularly cautioned Ugandans involved in informal activities, such as hawking, to ensure they understand and comply with the regulations governing their operations.
She explained that although citizens of East African Community member states enjoy provisions allowing them to move freely within the region, freedom of movement does not mean that individuals are exempt from the laws of the country where they live or conduct business.
Her remarks come amid growing concern among Ugandan traders in Kenya following President William Ruto’s push to protect Kenyan small-scale businesses from competition by foreign traders.
The developments have raised anxiety among some Ugandans, with fears that those without proper documentation could face enforcement action or be forced to return home through border points such as Busia.
Kadaga, however, called for calm, urging Ugandans not to panic but instead use the available period to regularise their immigration and business documents.
She emphasised that compliance with Kenyan laws would help Ugandans continue living and conducting business in the country while also supporting good relations between the two East African neighbours.
