President Yoweri Museveni has met a delegation of senior South Sudanese officials led by Trade and Industry Minister Dr. Labanya Margaret Mathya at State House, Entebbe, to discuss ways of strengthening trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Museveni said Uganda’s annual exports to South Sudan have grown from $500 million to $700 million, emphasising the need to eliminate trade barriers and improve cross-border business.
He proposed constructing the Juba–Nimule road with support from the African Development Bank, establishing an electricity interconnection and strengthening security cooperation along the shared border. He also called for a one-stop border centre to reduce delays in the movement of goods and people.
Dr. Labanya said the delegation was in Uganda for a business forum aimed at addressing non-tariff barriers and improving trade efficiency. She acknowledged concerns over roadblocks and insecurity along the Nimule–Juba route, noting that efforts were underway to resolve the challenges.
Uganda’s Trade Minister, Sanjay Tanna, highlighted additional concerns, including delays in clearing goods, high financial transaction costs, insecurity and compensation claims affecting Ugandan traders in South Sudan.
Both sides stressed the need for stronger coordination, improved infrastructure and efficient border management to promote trade, investment and regional integration.
The meeting was attended by other officials from both countries, including Attorney General Dr. Sam Mayanja, State Minister for Finance Amos Lugoloobi and South Sudan’s Ambassador to Uganda, Paul Malong Akaro.