Kampala — Plans are underway to step up security measures to ensure that cargo movement across the East African region is not interrupted.

The development is part of the customs modernisation project aimed at easing trade in the region. "Prompted by terrorist attacks within the region, Kenya has embarked on a multi-million project of installing modern machines that detect radioactive materials and dangerous explosives," said Jonah Cheriuyot, the Kenya Revenue Authority's deputy commissioner.

He was speaking during the World Customs Organisation/EAC Customs modernisation project meeting at the Serena Resort Hotel in Wakiso. Cheriuyot said machines were being installed at the Mombasa port, the region's most active cargo entry point.

Operations, he added, were expected to begin before next September. The project is in addition to the nine hi-tech scanners already in use at the world's 22nd biggest port. "Recent terrorist attacks on Uganda rang warning bells that the movement of goods across the region could be affected. It is possible that devices used by terrorists could be hidden in cargo too," said Cheriuyot.

In March, the five EAC customs commissioners of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi signed new common customs policies for streamlining general cross-border traders' compliance.

"Through application of modern technology, we will make sure traders and other stakeholders in the taxation systems formalise their businesses through registration to enhance transparency in operations of tax agents," Sheena Ntege, the regional programmes manager, said during the steering committee's meeting in Kampala.