Diplomatic and trade relations between Tanzania and Uganda are currently on a strain following the formers move to block Kampala exports for one month now, and it has emerged that this problem will not be resolved till sometime in January 2012, at the earliest.
Even more, this row is a test of the endurance of the East African Community (EAC) instruments and partner states commitment to the regional blocs integration process, particularly their adherence to the Customs Union and Common Market protocols that came into force in 2005 and 2010 respectively.
These instruments were meant to ease unfettered movement of goods across the borders, with goods manufactured and exported within the EAC region not attracting duty. But Tanzania has blacklisted Ugandan companies that must pay a 25 per cent tariff to access Tanzanian market.
Even more, this row is a test of the endurance of the East African Community (EAC) instruments and partner states commitment to the regional blocs integration process, particularly their adherence to the Customs Union and Common Market protocols that came into force in 2005 and 2010 respectively.
These instruments were meant to ease unfettered movement of goods across the borders, with goods manufactured and exported within the EAC region not attracting duty. But Tanzania has blacklisted Ugandan companies that must pay a 25 per cent tariff to access Tanzanian market.