Uganda Seeks Diplomatic Solution Over South Sudan Restrictions on Ugandan Traders

What the report says

Uganda is pushing for talks with South Sudan over new limits on foreign-owned small retail businesses in Juba, a move that has unsettled Ugandan traders active in the South Sudanese market. The Nile Post reported that authorities in Juba have said the sector should be reserved for South Sudanese nationals, while Kampala wants the issue handled through existing bilateral arrangements and the East African Community framework.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Kadaga said Uganda had received reports affecting some of its traders and urged South Sudan to respect the Common Market Protocol and treat Ugandans fairly and lawfully. She also asked affected businesses to document any cases and channel complaints through the appropriate diplomatic and government offices rather than allowing the matter to escalate into confrontation.

The report said Juba County Caretaker Commissioner Kalisto Lado Nyigilo said foreigners should not run small retail activities such as selling everyday food items, but should instead focus on wholesale trade and larger investments. He later clarified that the county was not ordering foreigners to leave South Sudan and did not have the authority to expel them, though he maintained the retail restriction.

The dispute matters because Uganda and South Sudan have deep trade links, with Ugandan goods and traders playing a significant role in commerce along the border and in Juba markets. The article places the row against a broader regional debate over foreign participation in petty trade and ongoing efforts to reduce barriers to cross-border business.