Cross-border mobility and development in East African Community: a Case study of Kyotera District (Uganda) and Missenyi District (Tanzania)

Abstract

Guided by the Neoliberalism theory of International Relations, the study mainly aimed at examining how mobility across the Tanzania-Uganda border was influencing the development in the East African Community. It also examined the nature of activities being performed by ordinary people who were crossing the Uganda – Tanzania border, analysed on how the activities being carried across the border were benefiting the people in the border region, explored the barriers facing cross-border mobility in the region and investigated the existing policies guiding that cross-border mobility. It adopted a case study design and used simple random and purposive sampling methods. Data were collected using interview schedules and questionnaires with both open-ended and closed-ended questions, observation methods in both Tanzania and Uganda. It found out that there was a strong relationship between the two societies which was facilitating smooth cross-border mobility under the stipulated policies. All the government officials were knowledgeable about the policies while most of respondents who were engaged in the cross-border activities were not well informed of the existing cross-border policies. Although the officials had initiated the monthly meetings, the local people accused them of bias and lack of inclusiveness through their associations, and their refusal to heed their petitions. The study found challenges like the imbalances in the tariffs on the goods, corruption, bureaucratic delays which affected perishable goods, trying to outlaw cross-border mobility and ineffective implementation of some of the policies by the state. Its contributions included supply of power and other services, peace and security, establishing infrastructure, providing employment opportunities, business opportunities because of the market, and tax collection by the local governments.