On the 27th day of February 2024, together with Zoota Initiative for Development, Vurra Freight Forwarders Association, and the Business Community in Arua/Vurra, we were pleased to organise and host the Presidential CEO Forum at the Vurra Border Post for a Consultative Meeting, on how to accelerate cross-border trade, promote human rights in cross border business practices, and boost economic cooperation for the export and import trade in Arua District and Arua City.
This meeting was vital for improving the quality of services offered to and by traders at the border post in Vurra as this border generates high volumes of revenue for the Government of Uganda.
At the heart of this consultative meeting, women and youths in trade were of interest because they contribute immensely to the revenue generated from cross-border trade and yet are disproportionately affected by human rights violations that exist due to the existence of cross-border trade.
Ms. Jemimah Muyama, the Trade & Resource Mobilization Manager at PCFU, an illustrious expert in import and export trade, AfCFTA, EAC Customs, and Cross Border Trade, represented the PCFU.
This workshop was particularly significant as it highlighted general trade obstacles and zoomed in on the unique challenges that women and youth traders encounter.
Gathering Voices, Sharing Stories
The workshop was a vibrant confluence of traders, transporters, business associations, women, youths, and community leaders. Each participant brought invaluable perspectives, contributing to a rich tapestry of insights and experiences.
The aim was clear; to identify the pressing issues in cross-border trade and collaboratively develop actionable solutions.
Key Challenges Identified
1. Infrastructure and Logistics
a) Internet and general communication infrastructure
The discussions underscored the dire need for improved communication infrastructure particularly Internet and general communication networks. With the growing use of the internet to clear goods at the Vurra Border by cross-border traders, there is a need to strengthen the network and the internet speed at the border. Currently, the network signal at the border is extremely weak, phone calls cannot go through due to poor reception and the internet is on "edge" which cannot load messages. Those who have goods to clear have to move to the nearest trading centres or to the city to load sites where they can utilise online clearance services or just use the internet for their business needs.
There is a need for urgent and robust internet infrastructure development targeted for Vurra Border Post to decrease clearance time and enable access to various online services essential for trade, social media sites for marketing/communication, human rights monitoring, and network building.
b) A Parking Yard for Trucks & Heavy Vehicles
The border post is disorganised and one of the major reasons is that heavy vehicles that are awaiting clearance park on either side of the main road. During busy days, the vehicles park up to Ovisoni which is the last town before you arrive at the border post.
This has led to the following;
Increased rate of accidents because the road is too narrow for navigation by moving vehicles. Oftentimes, vehicles crossing from the DRC which is a right-hand navigation drive get confused driving on the narrow road when they cross over to Uganda which is a left-hand drive and squeeze to fit in the narrow road hence causing accidents.
Trucks and heavy vehicles that have been parked at the border for a long period spoil the road due to heavy spills of oil and other corrosive chemicals that spill out of the vehicles
The heavy oils and corrosive substances spilled are causing harm and damage to the surrounding environment causing degradation of the land, and contamination of air and water sources.
The trucks parking on the main road are a source of insecurity as people are free to drive in and out, rob goods in transit, etc, due to the lack of an organised monitoring mechanism.
The lack of a well-built parking yard with toilets, bathrooms, designated rubbish disposal facilities, etc has led to littering of the borderlands and the road with rubbish, and human waste causing environmental contamination and poor hygiene that is a source of disease outbreaks.
The lack of a parking yard has made it hard for the security office to keep track of and monitor the movement of vehicles and criminal gangs in and out of the border who occasionally commit crimes and drive away freely.
Tracks that park by the roadside have become venues for crime such as; drug abuse, defilement of young girls, poisoning, rape of women, etc of which the men in transit get away with because they are not closely monitored.
Due to these reasons, there is an urgent need for the Uganda Revenue Authority to gazette a parking yard at the Vurra Border Post. Lucky for the community, there is already an existing parking yard that has not been used. There is a need for the Commissioner General to designate this Vurra Parking Yard and make it mandatory for all heavy vehicles and trucks awaiting clearance to park in the parking yard and only get released upon clearance.
2. Complex Regulations and Procedures (AfCFTA, EAC, COMESA, Tripartite Treaty Regulations, etc)
Participants highlighted the bureaucratic red tape that often hampers smooth trade operations. Inconsistent customs procedures and unclear regulations lead to confusion and delays. Traders frequently face unexpected tariffs and fees, which cut into their profit margins and discourage trade activities. This bureaucracy has been facilitated by the numerous trade agreements countries have signed for example the AfCFTA, EAC, COMESA, etc with little or no guidance to traders. Traders do not know which licenses, clearance documents, etc to use at the border point depending on the destination. There is a serious information gap in the regulations and procedures.
3. Security Concerns
Security emerged as a critical concern, with reports of smuggling, corruption, and harassment by various security personnel at border points. Security personnel put fear in the locals making them not enjoy the rights they ought to enjoy while using the border services. These issues not only pose financial risks but also threaten the personal safety of traders and transporters. In addition, security personnel are carrying out goods clearance work instead of offering security services to traders.
4. Market Access and Competition
Traders expressed frustration over limited market access and stiff competition. Trade restrictions and lack of market information make it challenging for traders to find and penetrate profitable markets across the border. There is need for investment in a data bank on markets for goods and services for local cross-border trade.
5. Support Services
The availability and adequacy of support services such as finance, insurance, and advisory services were identified as major gaps. Traders often struggle to access the necessary support to sustain and grow their businesses.
6. No free movement of locals
It is well stated under our laws that there is the existence of a free movement zone or radius for locals however, immigration officers do not implement this and instead charge locals for movements.
7. No free movements of goods that originate within the EAC
The traders stated that the authorities at the border charge for the movement of goods originating from within the EAC which goes against the Protocol on the Establishment of the Common Market in the EAC countries.
8. Too many checking points for goods and movements
The border point has too many checkpoints ie Uganda Revenue Authority, Border Internal Security Organisation (BISO), MI, etc which leads to delays and frustrates the smooth running of cross-border trade.
9. Lengthy border crossing times which is a tariff barrier
The amount of time taken for goods and services at the border is long which in the long run is a tariff barrier and affects the earnings of clearance agents and also forces these border users to use other border points which are faster. Â This is also a result of the limited number of URA staff numbers in the office which delays the clearance and movement of goods. In addition, the TMU reporting system takes a long to respond to tickets increasing delays in transit.
10. Overstaying of government staff in the area
The overstaying of government staff working at border points such as security, immigration, revenue officials etc makes it easier for them to become familiar with border users and become corrupt.
11. High levels of corruption
The cross-border trade has registered high levels of tax evasion because of corruption. Corruption makes cross-border trade expensive and has led to a significant reduction of exports across the border. Women and youth are affected because the little investments they make are taken away by corrupt officials.
12. Lack of coordination between the cross-border clearance offices
The border users are frustrated at every step of the clearance process because of a lack of coordination. For example, migration officers and URA will approve a movement and security persons will block the person from moving despite fulfilling all the clearance requirements and receiving/showing the required documents.
13. Lack of financing for cross-border traders
The lack of access to credit finance, financial literacy and funding for business is limiting many traders from growing their cross-border businesses. For example, the Parish Development Model (PDM) which could have helped traders with start-up funds was exempted for the business community leaving them with no initiative to assist them with funding.
14. Illegal Arrests
Many youths and women in trade are arbitrarily and illegally arrested in the process of carrying out cross-border trade by Congolese Police. These human rights violations go unreported and undocumented discouraging youths who could turn their life around through self-employment in cross-border trade.
15. Skilling gap for cross-border traders.
The lack of skilling of cross-border traders in new developments such as the proper licenses to process for each sector, the clearance procedures, hands-on skills including; craft, and materials, skills to seek funding for businesses, insurance, etc affect the competence of the traders. Often times they are penalised and yet they are not made aware of these procedures. There is also a gap in professional services such as legal and advisory services to ensure that businesses are compliant.
16. Refugees and Deportees
Due to the growing conflicts in the neighbouring countries in Congo and South Sudan, and climate change migration, the border receives many refugees from DRC, South Sudan, Central Africa Republic, etc. These refugees stay helplessly at the border in poor hygienic conditions, and hunger, others become criminals to survive while others have their human rights violated.
Refugees at Vurra Border
Refugees arriving at the Vurra border often come from conflict-affected regions, particularly from neighbouring countries such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These individuals and families flee violence, persecution, and instability, seeking refuge and humanitarian assistance in Uganda. The border serves as a critical entry point for them to access safety, legal protection, and support services provided by the Ugandan government and international organizations.
Deportees at Vurra Border
Deportees at the Vurra border are individuals who have been returned to Uganda from other countries, often due to immigration violations or lack of legal residency status. These individuals face unique challenges, including reintegration into their communities, finding employment, and dealing with the stigma associated with deportation. The support for deportees often involves assistance from local NGOs and government agencies to help them rebuild their lives and regain stability.
Women's Unique Challenges
The workshop provided a crucial platform for women traders to voice their specific challenges, shedding light on gender-specific barriers in cross-border trade.
1. Discrimination and Harassment
Women traders reported facing discrimination and harassment at border points, often from male counterparts and officials. This hostile environment discourages many women from engaging in cross-border trade.
2. Limited Access to Capital
Access to capital remains a significant hurdle for women traders. Traditional financial institutions often require collateral that women may not possess, limiting their ability to invest in and expand their businesses.
3. Balancing Trade and Domestic Responsibilities
Women traders frequently juggle their business activities with domestic responsibilities, including childcare and household chores. This dual burden limits their ability to fully engage in and benefit from cross-border trade opportunities.
4. Lack of Representation and Advocacy
The absence of strong representation and advocacy for women traders in trade associations and decision-making bodies means that their voices and concerns are often overlooked in policy discussions and trade negotiations.
Path Forward: Recommendations and Action Plans
The workshop culminated in a series of actionable recommendations aimed at addressing these challenges.
1. Infrastructure Development
Advocating for government and donor investment in infrastructure improvements, including; communication and internet infrastructure, better roads, storage facilities, and border point enhancements.
2. Simplified and Transparent Regulations
Working with authorities to streamline customs procedures, reduce bureaucracy, and ensure transparency in the application of tariffs and fees.
3. Strengthened Security Measures
Implementing stricter anti-corruption measures, providing training for border officials, and establishing safe reporting channels for incidents of harassment and corruption.
4. Enhanced Market Access
Facilitating access to market information and exploring regional trade agreements that open up new markets for cross-border traders.
5. Support Services for Women
Developing targeted financial products for women traders, offering training programs to enhance their business skills, and ensuring their representation in trade associations and policy-making bodies.
Establishing a Legal Aid Clinic (Trade Legal Clinic)
The Vurra border area is a hub of humanitarian activity, where efforts need to be concentrated on providing essential services, legal assistance, and support for both refugees and deportees, helping them navigate their difficult journeys and work towards a more secure future.
Working with URA to designate the Parking Yard at Vurra Border Post
Zoota Initiative for Development will work hand in hand with PCF Uganda to write to URA to designate the parking yard at Vurra Border Post for use by trucks in transit.
Empowering Change
The Vurra workshop was a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of inclusive dialogue. By bringing together diverse voices and focusing on both general and gender-specific challenges, the workshop set the stage for meaningful change in cross-border trade.
As we move forward, it is imperative to maintain this momentum, ensuring that the insights and recommendations from the workshop are translated into tangible actions. Together, we can create an enabling environment where all traders, especially women, can thrive and contribute to the economic prosperity of the region.
Written by;
Alesi Majorine
Executive Director
Zoota Initiative for Development
Vurra Sub-county, Arua District
Contact; +256789370033
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