Juba, South Sudan – Officials from the Republic of Uganda and the Republic of South Sudan have agreed to install modern cargo scanners at the Nimule Border Post as part of efforts to address congestion and facilitate the smooth movement of people and goods across the border. The resolution followed a high-level engagement in Juba, where Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, Hon. John Mulimba, held discussions with officials from the South Sudan Revenue Authority on strengthening cross-border trade and improving operational efficiency.
Speaking to the media, Hon. Mulimba noted that both sides had agreed on the urgent procurement and installation of modern scanning equipment to reduce reliance on manual inspection of goods. He emphasised that the current dependence on low-level technology contributes significantly to delays in cargo clearance, thereby undermining the effective implementation of the One Stop Border Post (OSBP) framework.
He further highlighted that prolonged clearance times negatively affect trade, particularly for perishable goods, which risk deterioration and may fail to meet required standards upon arrival. Such inefficiencies, he explained, result in financial losses for traders and increased costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers, leading to higher prices of goods in markets such as Juba.
To address these challenges, both countries agreed to establish a joint technical committee comprising the SSRA and the Uganda Revenue Authority. The committee will focus on resolving bottlenecks in cargo clearance, enhancing coordination, and ensuring the full operationalization of the One Stop Border Post at Nimule, with the broader objective of improving trade efficiency and reducing the cost of living.
Hon. Mulimba also indicated that preparations are underway for the convening of a Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), which will provide a structured platform for deepening bilateral cooperation and advancing trade facilitation initiatives between the two countries.
In his remarks, Mr. Solomon Ariik, Acting Commissioner General of the SSRA, affirmed that the planned installation of scanners is a critical step toward decongesting the border and enhancing operational efficiency. He further noted ongoing collaboration with the African Development Bank to support the acquisition of the equipment and strengthen system integration for improved communication and coordination. The initiative reflects a shared commitment by Uganda and South Sudan to modernise border infrastructure, promote regional integration, and facilitate seamless cross-border trade for mutual economic benefit.
