During the plenary sessions devoted to the report of the East African Legislative Assembly Committee on Communications, Trade and Investment on the operation of Unified Border Posts (OSBP) in partner countries, the Chairman of the Committee Francine Rutazana stressed the need for urgent reforms to improve their effectiveness within the East African Community. Lawmakers warned that ongoing operational and political obstacles continue to harm regional trade and integration.
According to Rutazana, since the introduction of this model, there has been an improvement in trade turnover and mobility of citizens due to a reduction in customs clearance time, an increase in tax revenues and simplification of cross-border procedures. «Single checkpoints are a key tool for regional integration, but unresolved problems prevent them from realizing their full potential», she said. The Committee noted that bringing together the regulatory authorities of neighboring countries under one roof, reducing bureaucracy and reducing costs for businesses had brought positive results.
However, parliamentarians expressed concern about the lack of infrastructure, fragmented customs systems, poor coordination between agencies, and the lack of harmonized legislation and standards in the region.
The document highlights the shortage of parking lots, narrow access roads, worn-out infrastructure, lack of technical facilities and staffing shortages at some border crossings. It is pointed out that the presence of many state structures on the borders creates excessive bureaucracy, which leads to temporary losses. The parliamentarians called on the participating states to modernize border activities by introducing digital technologies and updating infrastructure.
Clement Musangabatware of the East African Legislative Assembly noted that although Single Window Checkpoints (OSBPS) have optimized the transportation of goods and passengers, the remaining shortcomings require immediate solutions to fully realize the benefits of regional integration. He suggested creating interactive payment mechanisms at checkpoints so that trade operators and transport companies could make payments without hindrance, regardless of the chosen financial service provider. According to him, many service operators work in the East African Community, therefore, border guards must ensure compatibility with various payment systems within the framework of single window points. The MPs also expressed concern about the uneven implementation of border procedures in different partner countries.
As an example, Ugandan parliamentarian Mary Mugenyi mentioned the Taveta–Holili border area between Kenya and Tanzania, noting that differences in procedures undermine the concept of OSBP. «Standardization of approaches and mutual responsibility of both sides of the border are important for successful trade», she stressed.
Rwandan legislator Fatuma Ndangiza suggested focusing on administrative reforms instead of infrastructure projects. «The OSBP scheme has already shown effectiveness: we see an increase in trade and a reduction in customs clearance time. However, it is necessary to radically change the management mechanisms», she said.
The Rwandan legislature Ndangiza expressed doubt that increasing the number of instances at checkpoints increases efficiency, and recommended the creation of comprehensive service centers to optimize processes and reduce costs for businesses. The WAZA members called on the Council of Ministers of the EAC to accelerate customs integration, harmonize opening hours, modernize infrastructure, and accelerate regional standardization efforts.
