The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, has urged South Sudan to protect the interests of Ugandan traders operating in the neighbouring country following reports that some small businesses had been stopped from operating.
Kadaga said Uganda was concerned about reports that Ugandan-owned small and medium-sized enterprises had faced restrictions in South Sudan.
She called on South Sudanese authorities to address any concerns involving foreign businesses through established bilateral and regional mechanisms, rather than measures that could unfairly affect traders.
“Ugandan businesspeople operating in South Sudan contribute to employment, commerce, revenue generation and regional economic integration. Their lawful investments should be protected, and any regulatory concerns should be exercised consistently without discrimination in a manner that respects applicable domestic laws, bilateral commitments and the broader principles of the EAC,” Kadaga said.
She urged Ugandan traders whose businesses had been closed or restricted to report the cases to Uganda’s diplomatic mission in South Sudan or other relevant authorities.
Kadaga reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to peaceful relations, lawful cross-border trade, regional integration and mutual respect among member states of the East African Community (EAC).
Kadaga’s statements follows media reports that Ugandan traders in Juba, South Sudan’s capital, were worried after authorities reportedly directed foreign nationals to stop engaging in petty trade and leave such businesses to South Sudanese citizens.
The reported directive has raised concerns among Ugandan traders who depend on the South Sudanese market for their livelihoods.
Uganda and South Sudan are members of the EAC, a regional bloc that promotes trade, investment and cooperation among partner states.
The bloc’s integration agenda seeks to make it easier for people and businesses to operate across borders, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
