The authorities in Tanzania have impounded 14 trucks carrying smuggled food destined for Uganda.
The trucks were impounded on Tuesday at Kyaka Bridge, about 80 kilometers from Mutukula town along the Uganda- Tanzanian boarder.
The trucks which were carrying rice were intercepted shortly after the drivers stopped at the customs department.
Mathias Kasamba, the Kakuto county Member of Parliament, says the trucks were carrying rice which was collected from farmers in Kahama, Ngeza and Buharamuro areas of Kagera Province.
Kasamba says that sources from Tanzania say that the trucks were impounded on grounds that the rice was illegally acquired from Tanzania, following a ban on food exports.
In May, the government of Tanzania slapped a ban on export of all food crops.
The country' agriculture minister, Stephen Wassira, said the move was aimed at maintaining food security in the country. He also revealed that there had been smuggling of food to neighboring countries which could lead to food insecurity.
The affected businessmen have asked the Rakai District authorities to intervene and negotiate for the release of their trucks.
Idah Bikorendwa, The Rakai District Resident Commissioner (RDC), said that they have already fixed a meeting with the Tanzanian authorities to discuss the matter. She however declined to reveal the date and point of the meeting.
Meanwhile Businessmen in Mutukula are also wondering why the Ugandan authorities are allowing the Tanzanian trucks to transport Maize grains from Uganda to Tanzania.
