Currently, Uganda’s exports to South Sudan are in excess of Shs1.5 trillion, while South Sudan’s exports to Uganda are worth approximately Shs323 billion.
Prior to the war in 2013, Uganda was on the verge of reaching Shs3.7 trillion in exports. Through government-to-government and private-to-private activities, both countries hope to get back on track, beginning with the joint business forum.
It is recommended that Ugandans form joint ventures with locals in the agro-based industries, hospitality, and real estate sectors. The cost of lodging in Juba is five times that of Kampala, and more than 30 hotels owned by Ugandans are consistently full.
Ugandans are encouraged to utilize the country’s fertile soils and wide stretches of uninhabited green land for commercial agricultural and cattle husbandry. This is because, despite its vast territory, the country has a small population, and more than 60 percent of the people lack sufficient food.
Ugandans are making significant attempts to replace the World Food Programme in the country.
The Ugandan Embassy in South Sudan has no armed forces but cooperates with the country’s security apparatus to protect Ugandan citizens. With the exception of a few isolated events, Ugandans and their companies enjoy pretty adequate security. Moreover, after the war in 2013 that resulted in the deaths of a number of Ugandans, the government is still attempting to repair systems across all sectors.
In addition, security will be increased in regions plagued by communal unrest and cattle raids.
In the upcoming weeks of July 2022, the forum will have an expo showcasing the “cash cows” of both countries and discussing trade difficulties and prospects.
Efforts to improve cross-border highways for seamless connectivity (movement of goods and people).
The meetings of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) between the ministries, departments, and agencies of the two governments will oversee the development of policies and initiatives to enhance connectivity.
The Gulu-Juba railway is being constructed to alleviate pressure on the Gulu-Nimule road. After the construction of the railway, the route, which is often used by large vehicles traveling from Mombasa, will serve smaller vehicles.
The installation of the Karuma-Juba electrical line to service South Sudan will increase communication under the interconnectivity project and facilitate factory and other industrial operations. Large storage facilities will also be constructed to facilitate storage.
A united technical team will demarcate the border and erect new landmarks to prevent future situations like the one in which a Sudanese soldier was shot by the border patrol when he crossed into Uganda unintentionally.
Relaxation of trade taxes and elimination of needless checkpoints that impede traders and cause traffic delays. A Ugandan bank will also be assigned to traders and investors so they may get soft loans similar to the Kenyan Commercial Bank and Equity Bank.
