Uganda’s Agriculture Minister, Frank Tumwebaze, has criticized President William Ruto’s recent remarks about imported milk from Uganda.
The minister expressed his concerns in a statement, labeling Kenya’s stance on Ugandan milk as self-centered and out of step with the broader regional vision.
Tumwebaze’s reaction was sparked by Ruto’s remarks at a meeting with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM).
During the meeting, Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing the value of Kenyan milk for export to West Africa and the rest of the continent, while also relying on cheaper Ugandan milk imports.
Tumwebaze, a close ally of President Yoweri Museveni, drew attention to the apparent contradiction in Ruto’s remarks.
The minister noted that Kenya had previously prohibited the importation of milk products from Uganda, which appears to contradict Ruto’s current position on relying on Ugandan milk imports.
“Well, the unpleasant connotations of the ‘Ugandan Cheap milk’ aside, how I wish the ‘talking’ was followed by the ‘walking’ & Kenya Dairy Board removed all its barriers denying export permits to our milk exporters.
“A trade relationship built on selfishness will always play counter towards the EAC efforts!”
“We shall overcome, no worries! God is opening more markets!” The minister asserted.
