The Kenya Transporters Association has condemned the reported detention of Kenyan drivers leaders by Ugandan authorities. The arrests followed the leaders role in resolving a trucking standoff between Uganda and South Sudan. Drivers have launched a strike at the Malaba and Busia borders disrupting cargo movement.
Ugandan authorities allegedly arrested the Kenyan drivers leaders shortly after they helped broker an agreement on Saturday May 9. The negotiations addressed the arrest and harassment of truck drivers in South Sudan and resulted in the signing of the Record of Resolutions on Trade Facilitation and Highway Security.
The Kenya Transporters Association described the detentions as unjust. In a statement issued on Sunday May 10 the group said the leaders had acted in good faith to secure a peaceful solution.
Drivers have begun striking at the Malaba and Busia crossings. These points serve as main gateways for goods traveling from the port of Mombasa into Uganda Rwanda the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
The association called on Ugandan security authorities to release the detained leaders immediately guarantee their safety and arrange their return to Kenya.
