President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday met with a delegation of senior South Sudanese government officials led by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Dr. Labanya Margaret Mathya, at State House, Entebbe.
During the meeting, President Museveni and the delegation discussed measures to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Uganda and South Sudan.
President Museveni noted that Uganda’s annual exports to South Sudan are estimated to have grown from $500 million to $700 million, underscoring the importance of strengthening cooperation, eliminating trade barriers and facilitating cross-border business.
He identified three key areas requiring joint action: improving road infrastructure, enhancing electricity connectivity and strengthening security cooperation between the two countries.
The President proposed working with the African Development Bank to construct the Juba–Nimule road, developing an electricity interconnection between Uganda and South Sudan, and enhancing cooperation between the two countries’ security forces to safeguard their shared border.
“We should work on three areas: working with the African Development Bank on constructing the Juba–Nimule road for business between the two countries, building the power line, and then also our two armies cooperating on securing the borders,” President Museveni said.
He also proposed establishing a one-stop border centre to simplify procedures, reduce delays and facilitate the movement of goods and people between the two countries.
On her part, Hon. Labanya said the delegation was in Uganda to participate in a business forum aimed at exchanging ideas and finding practical solutions to challenges affecting cross-border trade.
“Uganda is one of the biggest exporters to South Sudan. We really appreciate and are extremely glad for that trade in our country. It meets very few hurdles like non-tariff barriers between Nimule and Juba. We came to see better ways to make trade more seamless, acceptable and tasteful to both countries,” she said.
She acknowledged the growth in trade between the two countries but noted that more could be done to make business transactions smoother, more efficient and mutually beneficial.
Hon. Labanya emphasised that cooperation should extend beyond the exchange of goods to include peace, healthcare and the sharing of knowledge and ideas.
“Trade is everything. We trade in peace, health and in our own intellectual ideas between the two countries and ensuring that the exchange of trade continues,” she said, assuring Ugandan traders that her office remained open to addressing their concerns.
On security, the South Sudanese minister acknowledged concerns raised by traders over roadblocks and other impediments along key trade routes, particularly between Nimule and Juba.
She said several of the reported roadblocks had been removed, adding that efforts were underway to address the remaining concerns.
“Security of the population, mainly the traders, is key. Some of them were subjected to roadblocks. Most of them were removed recently,” she said.
Uganda’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Sanjay Tanna, said the two countries faced similar challenges in facilitating trade, including non-tariff barriers, delays in clearing goods, insecurity and the high cost of financial services.
He noted that Ugandan traders had also raised concerns over compensation claims in South Sudan, citing differences in the pace at which the two countries handled such matters.
“The issues on our side are more or less the same. Administration that keeps changing, when a new person comes they keep coming. Some include non-tariff barriers, delays in clearance, insecurity was high, which are resolved when they are raised. Security of our people, the element of high costs of financial institutions doing business. The Ugandan community of traders that has visited me raised the issue of compensation. Their side is slow, our side is quick, however they have committed to improve,” Hon. Tanna said.
He stressed the need for both governments to address these challenges through improved coordination, stronger infrastructure, efficient border management and enhanced security to create a more favourable environment for businesses.
The discussions underscore the importance of Uganda–South Sudan economic relations, with improved transport links, reliable electricity supply and streamlined border procedures expected to support trade, investment and regional integration.
The meeting was also attended by Dr. Sam Mayanja, the Attorney General; Hon. Amos Lugoloobi, the Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development; and H.E. Paul Malong Akaro, the South Sudanese Ambassador to Uganda.
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