By Our Staff Reporter

ENTEBBE, UGANDA — October 14, 2026
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has met senior South Sudanese government officials to discuss measures to strengthen trade between Uganda and South Sudan, with a focus on improving transport infrastructure, electricity connectivity and border security.

The meeting, held at State House, Entebbe, brought together a South Sudanese delegation led by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Dr. Labanya Margaret Mathya, to explore ways of removing barriers affecting cross-border business and promoting economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

President Museveni said Uganda’s annual exports to South Sudan are estimated to have increased from $500 million to $700 million, highlighting the growing importance of the South Sudanese market to Ugandan businesses.

He identified road infrastructure, electricity connectivity and security cooperation as key priorities for improving trade and reducing the challenges faced by traders operating 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 strengthening cooperation between the two countries’ security forces to protect traders and secure their shared border.

Museveni also called for the establishment of a one-stop border centre to simplify clearance procedures, reduce delays and ease the movement of goods and people.

Hon. Labanya said the delegation was in Uganda to participate in a business forum aimed at finding practical solutions to challenges affecting trade between the two countries.

She acknowledged Uganda’s important role as a major supplier of goods to South Sudan but noted that non-tariff barriers along the Nimule–Juba route continued to affect the smooth movement of goods.

The minister said both governments needed to work together to make trade more efficient, accessible and beneficial to businesses in both countries.

She further emphasised that cooperation should extend beyond commercial exchanges to include peace, healthcare and the sharing of knowledge and ideas.

Hon. Labanya also addressed concerns about roadblocks and other security challenges along key trade routes, saying several roadblocks had recently been removed, while efforts were continuing to resolve the remaining issues.

She assured Ugandan traders that her office remained open to receiving and addressing their concerns.

Uganda’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Sanjay Tanna, said traders from both countries faced similar challenges, including non-tariff barriers, delays in clearing goods, insecurity and the high cost of financial services.

He also highlighted concerns raised by Ugandan traders regarding compensation claims in South Sudan, noting that the process had been slower than expected.

Tanna said both governments needed to improve coordination and address these concerns to create a more favourable business environment.

He stressed that effective border management, better infrastructure and improved security would be essential in reducing the cost of doing business and encouraging more trade and investment.

The discussions reflect ongoing efforts by Uganda and South Sudan to strengthen their economic partnership, with improved transport links, reliable electricity supply and streamlined border procedures expected to support businesses 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.