The government of South Sudan is yet to release a total of 66 cargo trucks of maize flour that were impounded over a month ago.
This was confirmed by Odrek Rwabwogo, the Chairman of the Exports and Industrial Committee (PACEID), following the release of the first 26 batch of trucks.
“We had a breakthrough yesterday with the release of our first 26 trucks of maize flour that have been held for almost two months inside the South Sudan border. The balance of 66 will be released with their cargo for storage and re-testing by UNBS at the One stop border post at Elegu,” Rwabwogo said on Saturday.
Rwabwogo said that it is time to retool and re-discipline the institutions to act better and faster in the interest of citizens.
“If we cannot flawlessly trade with each other, hold each other accountable as a community, then we will not convince the world we are ready for unity of our region and creating jobs for young people. Uganda and Africa cannot afford interference in trade and border disputes because this causes more poverty,” he added.
Recently, Rebecca Kadaga, the 1st Deputy Prime Minister and also the Minister for East African Affairs said that Uganda was engaging South Sudan, to have the issue resolved.
Kadaga said that Uganda has presented to the S. Sudan authority the proposal to have all the produce tested at Elegu Border by a joint quality assurance system before it is imported or exported by the traders.
On May 15, 2023, South Sudan officials at the Nimule border point seized 120 tons of maize grains, maize flour, and wheat that were deemed unsuitable for human consumption.
About 92 cargo trucks of maize flour from Uganda were impounded by the authority of South Sudan after they tested positive for aflatoxin.
Aflatoxin are a family of toxins produced by certain fungi that are found on agricultural crops such as maize (corn), peanuts, cotton seed, and tree nuts.
