Uganda's Minister for Agriculture, Frank Tumwebaze, has criticised President William Ruto's recent remarks concerning imported milk from Uganda.
In a statement, the minister expressed his concerns, labeling Kenya's stance on Ugandan milk as self-centered and not in line with the broader regional vision.
Tumwebaze's reaction was prompted by Ruto's statements during a meeting with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM).
During the meeting, Ruto emphasised the government's commitment to enhancing the value of Kenyan milk for export to West Africa and the rest of the continent, while concurrently relying on cheaper milk imports from Uganda.
Notably, Tumwebaze, a close ally of President Yoweri Museveni, pointed out the apparent contradiction in Ruto's remarks.
The minister pointed out that Kenya had previously imposed a ban on the importation of milk products from Uganda, which seems at odds with Ruto's current stance 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!"
in a previous statement issued on August 10, the Minister further indicated that Kenya's resolute stance on Uganda's milk imports had led to promising opportunities.
"We shall overcome, no worries! God is opening more markets!" The minister asserted.
Notably, on August 8, during his visit to the Mt Kenya region, President William Ruto acknowledged encountering challenges due to his mention of specific countries over the thorny milk importation issue.
"I do not want to mention any names. I mentioned some countries recently, and I got into some problems," Ruto stated during an interview held at the Sagana State Lodge.
Curiously, Ruto's journey to Uganda on August 13 resulted in discussions that included collaborative efforts between the two nations. Among the agendas explored during the visit was the partnership in Agriculture between Kenya and Uganda.
The decision to impose a ban on the import of milk products from Uganda by Kenya stemmed from concerns about some Kenyan companies exploiting the situation.
As reported widely, the companies had been misusing the allowance to bring powdered milk into Kenya, rather than actual liquid milk.
"For the last couple of years, they have been bringing nearly 100 million litres of powdered milk yearly. They only buy a little from our farmers and then add more powder," the President stated during his Mt Kenya visit on August 8.
