A section of Ugandan Members of Parliament have raised concerns over Kenya’s August 9 General Election and how they will affect their country’s economy.
Speaking during a plenary session on Thursday, July 7, the lawmakers questioned President Yoweri Museveni’s preparation to cushion Ugandans from the high cost of living in case Kenyan elections are marred with violence and disrupt the supply chains in the region.
Led by Buhweju MP, Francis Mwijukye, the Ugandan Legislators warned that the outcome of the forthcoming Kenya elections may cause a further increase in fuel prices in case disruptions happen.
“Uganda’s largest share of petroleum products arrive in the country through Kenya. Next week, I want to move a motion asking Parliament to make a resolution to ask the Minister to give a plan with respect to the Kenyan elections. What plan is there in case of post-election violence?” Mwijukye asked.
The MP asked the Energy Minister to table a report on steps being taken to address skyrocketing fuel prices and preparations to address the supply of basic commodities when Kenya goes to the polls.
Responding to MPs’ concerns, Ugandan Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, maintained that the government has already put into place measures to address the concerns raised.
The Prime Minister noted that with elections approaching in Kenya, the government is contemplating transporting fuel through Tanzania.
“We have always told our people to remain frugal because all that is bringing fuel prices to increase is external. I will request the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development to present a comprehensive paper so that Parliament can ably be informed,” Nabbanja explained.
The concerns come just months after President Museveni made it clear that he had no preferred presidential candidate in the August polls.
He specifically dispelled reports that he had thrown his weight behind Deputy President William Ruto.
“The elections in Kenya or any other country is a matter of the people of that country. Those people are the ones who are competent in deciding what to do. Supporting Ruto, we will never do anything like that. We shall never take sides,” Museveni stated.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE