The Common Man's Party (CMP) presidential candidate, Mubarak Munyagwa, has pledged to abolish the long-standing Shs10,000 border crossing fee at the Mpondwe border, describing it as an unfair levy that has burdened traders and residents for years.
Addressing traders and local residents at the busy border point, Munyagwa said a CMP-led government would immediately scrap the fee if elected, arguing that it frustrates cross-border trade and undermines the daily livelihoods of ordinary Ugandans.
"This ten-thousand-shilling crossing fee is unjust and unnecessary. It punishes the common trader and limits economic activity at our borders. My government will abolish it immediately," Munyagwa said.
The CMP flag bearer said Kasese District has vast economic potential, pointing to its mineral wealth and strategic location, but accused the current government of neglecting critical investments that once sustained the local economy.
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"Kasese should be one of the richest districts in this country. We have minerals, history, and strategic infrastructure, but government has abandoned key investments like Kilembe Mines, the railway, and the salt factory. This neglect has denied our people jobs and income," he said.
Munyagwa said his government would prioritise reviving idle industries, restoring infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for local investors to stimulate economic growth and reduce the cost of living.
After addressing traders at the Mpondwe border, the CMP presidential candidate continued his campaign trail to Katwe Kabatooro Town Council before later meeting supporters in Kasese Municipality, where he reiterated his message of economic revival, lower taxes and fees, and policies focused on uplifting the common person.
"Our focus is simple: revive the economy, reduce the cost of living, and put the interests of ordinary Ugandans first," Munyagwa told supporters.
Munyagwa's tour of Kasese District is part of his broader nationwide campaign as he seeks to mobilise support ahead of the 2026 general elections.
