Truck Drivers Halt Operations at Malaba and Busia After Uganda Detains Kenya Transporters Association Officials

Ugandan authorities have detained several representatives of the Kenya Transporters Association (KTA), prompting truck drivers to suspend operations at the Malaba and Busia border crossings. 

The disruption threatens cargo movement along East Africa’s Northern Corridor.

The KTA said the detained officials had just concluded talks aimed at resolving a dispute involving truck drivers and South Sudanese authorities. The negotiations ended with an agreement signed on 9 May to improve trade facilitation and strengthen security on the route linking Uganda and South Sudan.

In a statement issued on Sunday, 10 May, the association described the arrests as “deeply troubling” and said they undermined efforts to stabilise cargo transport across the region. The KTA called for the immediate and unconditional release of its representatives and requested guarantees for their safety.

The impact of the strike was quickly felt at Malaba and Busia, two of the main entry points for goods transported inland from the Port of Mombasa. The crossings are central to trade flows into Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan.

With trucks stranded at the border, supply chains have come under pressure. Analysts warn that a prolonged disruption could reduce government revenues and affect regional trade.

Industry stakeholders said the incident could weaken cooperation between transport operators and regional authorities at a time when coordination is needed to maintain cargo movement. Transport groups have previously raised concerns about congestion, harassment, and security risks along the corridor.