There is a significant increase of traffic across the Uganda and South-Sudan border indicating the growing importance of efficient trade facilitation measures between the two East African countries.
Experts are however pointing out the importance of consolidating various government agencies into one central location to expedite clearance times and simplify procedures for cross-border traders.
There are also some environmental factors, for instance floods are reported to be frequently affecting the Elegu and Nimule precincts on either side of the territorial boundaries.
Government officials, trade representatives and other stakeholders from Uganda and South Sudan recently convened at Nimule Border for a high-level joint border sensitization mission focused on strengthening cross-border trade relations and fostering regional integration.
The mission provided a platform for in-depth discussions on various issues impacting trade between the two Partner States, with a particular emphasis on the implementation of One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) and other trade facilitation measures.
Despite progress, however, the mission discovered challenges such as differing operational hours and tax regimes, emphasizing the need for harmonization and coordination between border authorities to ensure smoother trade operations.
An East African Legislative Assembly’s Member of Parliament, Dr Anne Itto, said that the Community had put in place various initiatives to facilitate trade and regional integration, and One Stop Border Points take center stage.
On her part the East African Community’s Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, Ms Annette Ssemuwemba, said that the EAC Secretariat would work jointly with Uganda and South Sudan in the development of strategies aimed at transforming operations at the Elegu-Nimule border.
The Under Secretary in South Sudan’s Ministry of EAC Affairs, Beny Gideon Mabor, said that their deliberations centered on the Customs Union and Common Market, both pivotal components of the EAC integration agenda.
Representing the South Sudan Minister of Trade and Industry, the Advisor to the Minister of Trade and Industry in South Sudan, Simon Nyang, said that the One Stop Border Posts review meeting was critical to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, adding that the Ministry will strive to implement the recommendations of the meeting.
Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of EAC Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, hailed the diligent efforts of all border agencies in facilitating the movement of goods, emphasizing the urgent need for South Sudan to expedite the implementation of the EAC Customs Union Protocol.
The Elegu-Nimule border mission served as a testament to the shared commitment by both Uganda and South Sudan towards strengthening cross-border trade and advancing regional cooperation. The stakeholder engagements session was preceded by an inspection of the Elegu and Nimule OSBPs.
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