Uganda Signs Trade Pacts With South Sudan and Kenya
Uganda signed agreements with South Sudan and Kenya to remove cross-border barriers, improve infrastructure, and increase market access for locally produced goods.
The Government of Uganda entered into separate trade agreements with South Sudan and Kenya this week to reduce cross-border barriers and boost regional commerce. In Kampala, Uganda and South Sudan signed a Memorandum of Understanding to improve market access and address border clearance inefficiencies, specifically regarding South Sudanese fish exports.
During a meeting at State House, Entebbe, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni noted that annual exports to South Sudan have grown to an estimated $700 million. To sustain this growth, Museveni proposed developing an electricity interconnection, establishing a one-stop border center, and constructing the Juba–Nimule road via the African Development Bank. South Sudanese Trade and Industry Minister Margaret Mathya Labanya acknowledged the relationship's importance and stated that most roadblocks between Nimule and Juba have been removed.
Further discussions at the second Uganda-South Sudan Business Forum in Kampala identified remaining obstacles, including unofficial charges, repeated cargo verification, and delays with South Sudan's electronic permit system. Officials agreed to establish regular joint border meetings to coordinate security, customs, and immigration procedures.
Separately, Ugandan and Kenyan officials met in Kampala to agree on the removal of trade barriers in accordance with the East African Community Common Market. Ugandan Minister of State for Trade Wilson Mbasu Mbadi called for fair competitiveness to address a trade imbalance where Kenyan exports to Uganda significantly outweigh Ugandan exports to Kenya.
