The Ugandan government has urged authorities in South Sudan to safeguard the interests of foreign businesses operating in the country. This appeal was made by Rebecca Kadaga, Uganda's first deputy prime minister and minister for East African Community (EAC) affairs. She emphasized the importance of protecting Ugandan small and medium-sized enterprises that contribute significantly to employment, commerce, revenue generation, and regional economic integration in South Sudan.
According to reports, Ugandan traders in South Sudan's capital, Juba, have been ordered by authorities to stop engaging in petty trade. The directive instructs foreign nationals to leave the business to South Sudanese nationals. This move has caused panic among Ugandan traders, who are a significant presence in the country's economy. The Ugandan government has taken these reports seriously and is seeking to address the concerns through bilateral or regional mechanisms.
Rebecca Kadaga stated that Ugandan businesspeople operating in South Sudan play a vital role in the country's economy. She urged any Ugandan trader whose business had been closed or restricted to report the matter to the relevant Ugandan diplomatic mission or competent authorities. This would enable Uganda to engage with South Sudanese authorities based on verified information and seek a resolution to the issue.
The Ugandan government remains committed to peaceful coexistence, lawful cross-border trade, regional integration, and mutual respect among EAC partner states. Kadaga emphasized that 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.
The situation has raised concerns about the impact on regional economic integration and trade relations between Uganda and South Sudan. The EAC aims to promote economic cooperation and integration among its member states, and the protection of foreign businesses' interests is a crucial aspect of this goal. Uganda is seeking to ensure that its traders are not unfairly disadvantaged in the South Sudanese market.
The Ugandan government's appeal to South Sudan comes at a time when the region is seeking to strengthen economic ties and promote regional integration. The EAC has implemented various initiatives to facilitate trade and investment among its member states, and the protection of foreign businesses' interests is essential to the success of these efforts.
The situation will be closely watched by traders, policymakers, and diplomatic missions in the region. The outcome will have implications for trade relations between Uganda and South Sudan, as well as the broader regional integration agenda.
Key points
- Uganda urges South Sudan to protect foreign businesses' interests
- Ugandan traders face restrictions in South Sudan
- Uganda seeks resolution through bilateral or regional mechanisms
