The presence of substandard goods remains a major challenge in Uganda’s cross-border trade
By Willy Chowoo
Gulu City
Media Focus on Africa has trained journalists from Northern Uganda in a bid to strengthen reporting on cross-border trade issues across East Africa.
The training, held under the theme “Trade Up! Promoting Peace and Social Cohesion to Enhance Small-Scale Cross-Border Trade in Uganda,” brought together journalists from the Acholi and West Nile regions.
According to the Country Director of Media Focus on Africa, Jan Ajwang, the initiative marks the beginning of building a strong network of journalists capable of effectively covering cross-border trade dynamics in Northern Uganda and West Nile.
Speaking during the training, Gulu City Mayor Acire Julius Labeja cautioned journalists against sensational reporting when covering cross-border trade.
Labeja noted that sensational journalism can negatively affect those involved in cross-border business and emphasised the need for responsible reporting.
“You need to adhere to the laws so that you can shape the narratives and policy framework on cross-border trade in East Africa,” Labeja noted.
Amuru Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Osborn Oceng Geoffrey also called on journalists to take a more investigative approach to reporting cross-border trade issues.
Oceng highlighted several challenges affecting cross-border trade in the district, including poor infrastructure, illegal movement of firearms, human trafficking, public health concerns, and the illegal charcoal trade.
He urged journalists to uphold professionalism while covering such issues:
“This training is very good for you and for us all; you need to investigate issues of the border.”
Countering Substandard and Counterfeit Goods
The presence of substandard goods remains a major challenge in Uganda’s cross-border trade.
Over the years, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has intensified efforts to eliminate products that do not meet required standards. Through routine market inspections, the agency has confiscated several counterfeit goods.
The Head of Communications at UNBS, Sylvia Kirabo, said the crackdown is aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring fair trade practices.
Kirabo advised traders to comply with set standards to avoid losses.
“You need to start with standards so that you don’t get any trouble with trade
Flooding Disrupts Trade in Elegu
Elegu Town Council in Amuru District, which borders South Sudan, has faced persistent flooding that has disrupted business activities, particularly for small-scale cross-border traders.
However, the ongoing construction of the Elegu Climate-Resilient and Gender-Responsive Cross-Border Market is expected to provide a lasting solution.
Oceng commended TradeMark Africa and the European Union for supporting communities at the border through the project.
He noted that the construction, currently at 50 percent completion, will significantly benefit traders who have long suffered from climate-related disruptions.
The new market is designed to withstand flooding, featuring elevated structures, improved drainage systems, permeable paving, stormwater retention facilities, and green energy solutions such as solar power and water harvesting.
