Media Wire Express Correspondent
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has stated unequivocally that he will not impose a ban on the importation of Tanzanian rice into Uganda, despite demands from local farmers.
He argued that such a move would not be fair and would damage trade relations between the two nations.
Speaking on the matter, President Museveni expressed his disapproval of the suggestion made by Ugandan farmers who claimed that Tanzanian rice, being sold at lower prices, is negatively impacting the market for locally produced rice. He urged Ugandan farmers to focus on improving the quality and competitiveness of their products rather than relying on trade barriers to protect their market share.
“I cannot accept the request from our Ugandan farmers to ban Tanzanian rice just because it is cheaper. We must ensure that our farmers are capable of competing effectively. If I were to ban Tanzanian rice, Tanzania could retaliate by blocking our products as well,” President Museveni stated.
He further called on East African Community member states to keep their markets open to foster competition and promote trade within the region. He emphasized that allowing competition is crucial for the economic development and prosperity of all the countries involved.
“It is important to embrace competition. When we open our markets, we create opportunities for our people to access high-quality and affordable products. If we close ourselves off, we hinder our own economic progress and strain trade relations,” President Museveni added.
His statement comes amid growing concerns from some Ugandan farmers who argue that the influx of Tanzanian rice has led to a drop in the price of locally produced rice, thereby affecting their earnings. Despite these concerns, President Museveni made it clear that his administration would not impose any restrictions on Tanzanian rice imports, highlighting the need for fair and competitive trade practices.
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Uganda and Tanzania have enjoyed a long-standing and robust trade relationship, with a variety of goods exchanged between the two countries. Leaders of the East African Community have continuously advocated for increased collaboration to enhance trade and stimulate economic growth across the region.
