Uganda and other landlocked countries relying on the Mombasa port are poised for a potential crisis after the Kenyan facility suspended clearance and transportation of the cargo due to the internet shutdown by the Kampala administration.
Just barely 24 hours ago, President Yoweri Museveni’s administration ordered the shutdown of the internet, arguing that it could fuel chaos during the January 15 election.
However, it is not only the Ugandan citizens who have felt the impact of the decision. Clearing agents and drivers handling cargo destined for Uganda and other neighbouring countries are facing dire challenges trying to maintain their operations due to hindered communication.
The National Chairman of Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (Kifwa), Fredrick Aloo, lamented the decision by Kampala, stating that it slowed down the process and could scuttle it altogether.
“Logistics heavily relies on the internet and real-time visibility, and if the public internet is suspended, coordination becomes harder, tracking and submission of documents become slow, and transit experiences delays,” stated Aloo, as quoted by Daily Nation.
The cargo handlers lament that they are unable to communicate with the drivers and clients, as the shutdown has heavily affected platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and other messaging applications.
He said, “Cargo clearance has been affected as some customs and logistics platforms rely on internet access, and with internet downtime, there will be a potential traffic snarl-up at the border post. The directive to suspend outbound data roaming has affected communication with drivers and their access to navigation updates.”
Uganda will be heading to the polls on Thursday, January 15, for both presidential and parliamentary elections. Museveni is aiming to extend his stay in power, having served since 1986. His closest challenger is Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, a second-time candidate who has ditched music for politics.