Uganda, South Sudan Seek Border Security Boost as Trade and Migration Challenges Persist

What the report says

Nile Post reported that Uganda and South Sudan have renewed pledges to improve border security, streamline trade and address migration pressures along their shared frontier. The commitments were made at the sixth Uganda–South Sudan Joint Border Meeting on Economic and Security Cooperation, held in Arua from July 23 to 24, 2026, following earlier high-level engagement linked to President Yoweri Museveni’s April 2025 state visit to Juba and President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s government.

According to the report, officials agreed to strengthen joint security operations, improve coordination between defence and security agencies, and revive border management structures. The discussions covered threats such as terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime and insecurity affecting transport and border communities. The Juba–Nimule–Elegu route was highlighted as economically important because it connects South Sudan through Uganda to regional trade routes and has previously faced disruption during periods of instability.

Trade and movement of people were also central to the talks. Nile Post said the two governments resolved to work toward removing tariff and non-tariff barriers, aligning customs and immigration procedures, and reducing delays on the Central and West Nile corridors. The report also noted concern among some Ugandan traders and travellers over South Sudan’s visa rules, including charges for Ugandans while citizens of some other countries are exempted.

The meeting also addressed migration, refugees, health and shared social services, reflecting cross-border family and economic ties. Another major issue is the approximately 470-kilometre boundary, which both sides agreed to reaffirm and re-mark through a Joint Technical Committee, with a target of completing the process by 2027. South Sudan is expected to host the next joint session on a date to be communicated diplomatically.