Uganda, South Sudan Seal Border Deal to Boost Trade • 2017-06-20

The governments of Uganda and South Sudan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of a one-stop-border post (OSBP) to facilitate trade by removing existing barriers.

The partnership will fast-track humanitarian consignments and reduce the congestion at the border, enabling faster reach to the displaced, distressed and famished people of South Sudan especially during the current unstable political environment and a collapsing economy.

It will also pave way for the respective agencies to exchange important information related to cross-border trade flows, documentations, procedures and processes between the two countries.

The MoU was brokered and crafted by TradeMark Africa (TMA), a strategic partner of Uganda Revenue Authority.

TMA is an aid-for-trade organization funded by the development agencies of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK and US. It aims to grow prosperity in Africa through increased trade and works with African Community (EAC) institutions, governments, the private sector and civil society in its endeavour.

The agreement was signed on behalf of South Sudan by Ambassador Joseph Ayok Anei, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; and Ambassador James Mugume on behalf of Uganda Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs offices in Kampala, Uganda.

“We are glad the partnership between the two countries has been established. This will provide a framework and mechanism for bilateral cooperation,” said Moses Sabiiti, Uganda Country Director, TMA.

There will also be an avenue for reporting various non-tariff barriers (NTBs) that traders face along the route, promoting transparency and accountability among the respective country agencies operating at the borders.

The OSBP will be in Elegu/Nimule towns on the Uganda/South Sudan border.