BUSIA DISTRICT: Leaders in Busia District, particularly in Busia Municipality are calling for a review of cross-border regulations and policies, arguing that the current stringent rules are preventing residents from effectively engaging in cross-border trade and are contributing to rising poverty.
Nahauli Namihanja Shams, the aspiring Woman Member of Parliament for Busia District, raised the concerns while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate’s campaign rally at Masafu Primary School playgrounds in Busia Municipality.
She noted that many local residents rely on small-scale cross-border trade with Kenya as their primary source of income, especially since unemployment remains high. However, she said the harsh enforcement of cross-border regulations has left many traders facing harassment and being chased away by authorities, making it increasingly difficult for them to survive.
Nahauli argued that the laws should distinguish between large-scale smuggling and small-scale traders who carry only a limited quantity of products.
She said such traders should not be treated as smugglers because their activities are simply a means of securing daily livelihoods.
According to her, denying families the opportunity to sell small items across the border threatens their ability to provide for themselves.
Nahauli pledged to continue advocating for fair regulations that support the growth of small businesses. She assured the people of Busia that, if elected, she will focus on championing policies aimed at creating jobs and addressing unemployment, especially among young people and women.
She further noted that her priority will also be to ensure that residents fully participate in government programmes such as the Parish Development Model, which she said has the potential to improve household incomes and create lasting wealth within the community.
Comementing about the rally, Hon. Nahauli said. “We have been here today welcoming the President, and we came to be part of his campaign trail. I want to take this opportunity to call upon all Ugandans: please come and support the peacemaker, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. In all the years he has been in service, many of us were even born during his regime, I can assure you that we have not witnessed war or major crisis. That is why I believe he is truly a peacemaker.”
She added that; “We should focus on what Uganda has achieved. Today, we have experienced significant progress in women’s emancipation. His Excellency has made real efforts toward gender equality, and this can be clearly seen in his leadership.”
She added “I am 24 years old, yet I have been able to stand as a Woman Member of Parliament. I have been given platforms on several occasions to present my manifesto to the people of Busia, and they have listened, I can assure you of that we need someone ready to defend our district.”
