President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and a delegation of senior South Sudanese government officials have identified improved road infrastructure, electricity connectivity and border security as key priorities in efforts to boost trade between Uganda and South Sudan.

The discussions, held at State House, Entebbe on October 14th, 2026, focused on practical measures to ease cross-border business, eliminate trade barriers and strengthen economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

The South Sudanese delegation was led by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Margaret Mathya Labanya, who is in Uganda to participate in a business forum aimed at finding solutions to challenges affecting trade between the two countries.

President Museveni noted that Uganda’s annual exports to South Sudan are estimated to have increased from $500 million to $700 million, highlighting the need for both governments to address bottlenecks that could hinder further growth.

He proposed three priority interventions: constructing the Juba–Nimule road in partnership with the African Development Bank, establishing an electricity interconnection between Uganda and South Sudan, and strengthening 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.

The President also proposed establishing a one-stop border centre to streamline customs procedures, reduce delays and facilitate the movement of goods and people.

The proposed interventions are intended to address some of the logistical and security challenges affecting traders, particularly along the Nimule–Juba corridor, which serves as a major route for goods entering South Sudan from Uganda.

Dr. Labanya welcomed Uganda’s contribution to South Sudan’s import market, describing the country as one of South Sudan’s biggest trading partners.

She said the delegation’s visit was intended to explore ways of making trade more efficient, predictable and mutually beneficial, while addressing non-tariff barriers affecting businesses along the trade corridor.

“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.

The minister emphasised that the relationship between the two countries should extend beyond the exchange of goods to include cooperation in peace, healthcare and knowledge sharing.

“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, Dr. Labanya acknowledged complaints from traders about roadblocks and other impediments along major trade routes, particularly between Nimule and Juba.

She said several roadblocks had recently been removed, adding that the government was continuing efforts to resolve outstanding concerns and improve the safety of traders.

“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, Sanjay Tanna, said both countries faced similar challenges in facilitating cross-border commerce, including non-tariff barriers, delays in clearing goods, insecurity and the high cost of financial services.

He also highlighted concerns raised by Ugandan traders operating in South Sudan regarding compensation claims, noting differences in the speed 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,” Tanna said.

He called for stronger coordination between the two governments to address the concerns, improve border management and create a more favourable business environment.

The discussions highlight the strategic importance of Uganda–South Sudan trade, with improved transport infrastructure, reliable electricity connectivity, enhanced security and simplified border procedures emerging as key areas for cooperation.

Addressing these challenges could help reduce the cost of doing business, improve the movement of goods and strengthen investment and regional economic integration.

The meeting was also attended by Dr. Sam Mayanja, the Attorney General; Amos Lugoloobi, the Minister of State for Finance Planning and Economic Development; H.E. Brig. Gen. Ronnie Balya, Uganda’s Ambassador to South Sudan; and H.E. Paul Malong Akaro, the South Sudanese Ambassador to Uganda.