A cross‑border strike by long‑distance truck drivers at the Malaba One‑Stop Border Post disrupted trade between Uganda and Kenya, prompting authorities to estimate a loss of up to UGX 35 billion in revenue collections for the day.
The protest began when drivers blocked the main Uganda‑Kenya highway with their vehicles, halting the movement of hundreds of trucks that normally pass through the busy corridor. The action was a response to the arrest of Sudi Kauli Mwatela, chairperson of the Long‑Distance Drivers’ Union, who was detained at the Elegu border on accusations of inciting violence.
Drivers demanded Mwatela’s unconditional release. After several hours of standstill, security forces freed him and returned him to Malaba on Monday, where he was handed over to fellow drivers amid celebratory scenes. In a brief interview, Mwatela called his arrest “unfair” and accused border security, particularly at Elegu, of repeatedly harassing drivers, imposing illegal charges and subjecting them to intimidation and unnecessary stops. He warned that unresolved grievances could trigger further industrial action.
The shutdown had immediate economic repercussions. Abbey Mawerere, regional manager for the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) in Eastern Uganda, said the strike cost the government an estimated UGX 35 billion in lost revenue. Perishable goods such as tomatoes, mangoes and other fresh produce were especially affected; many trucks were stranded for hours in intense heat, leading to spoilage and significant losses for traders.
Mawerere also criticised the union’s handling of the dispute, noting that the meeting that sparked the protest was organised without informing security agencies, thereby escalating tensions. He urged drivers to pursue grievances through formal channels rather than actions that jeopardise regional trade.
Malaba remains a vital gateway for goods moving between the Port of Mombasa and land‑locked neighbours, including Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While traffic has resumed, the episode has highlighted longstanding concerns among drivers about harassment, insecurity and unofficial levies along the route.
The incident underscores the fragility of East Africa’s trade corridors, where disruptions can quickly translate into substantial fiscal losses and supply‑chain setbacks. Stakeholders are now calling for dialogue to address drivers’ complaints and to strengthen coordination between transport unions and border authorities, aiming to prevent similar stand‑offs that threaten the flow of commerce across the region.
