Kampala, Uganda, 8th November 2016: The Government of Uganda and the Government of South Sudan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for mutual collaboration and partnership in construction of a one stop border post (OSBP) in Elegu/Nimule towns on the Uganda/South Sudan border.
The Uganda Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the South Sudan Ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation signed the agreement on 8th November 2016.
The event was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs offices, Kampala. Signing the MOU on behalf of South Sudan was Amb. Joseph Ayok Anei, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, while Ambassador James Mugume signed on behalf of Uganda Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The occasion was witnessed by the South Sudan delegation comprised of; Capt. David Martin Hassan, Under Secretary, Ministry of Transport; Hon. Diu Dohl Gaduwong, Legal Advisor, Ministry of Transport; Eng. Lado Tongun Tombe, Director for Road Transport & Safety, Nosc Chairperson of Nimule/Alegu OSBP.
Uganda delegation comprised of the Permanent Secretary from Ministry of Trade, the Permanent Secretary from Ministry of Works and Transport and a representative from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). Moses Sabiiti, Uganda Country Director TradeMark Africa (TMA), Michael Ojatum, Uganda OSBP Programme Manager TMA, Damali Ssali, Uganda Trade Environment Programme Manager TMA, and John Kalisa, South Sudan Country Director TMA were also present at the signing.
The MOU establishes a firm relation between the Government of the Republic of Uganda and Government of South Sudan (GOSS) to facilitate trade and remove the existing barriers that inhibit trade. To a large extent this partnership will fast track humanitarian consignments and reduce the congestion at the border to enable faster reach to the displaced, distressed and famished people of South Sudan especially during this time of unstable political environment and a collapsing economy; while Juba remains on the war path with uncompromising attitude, this partnership illuminates the situation as it will spearhead initiatives for the respective agencies to exchange important information related to cross-border trade flows, documentation, procedures and processes between the two countries. The benefits arising from the partnership are enormous.
Moreover, there will also be an avenue for reporting various NTBs that traders face along the route, be it customs associated or discrimination related and this will promote transparency and accountability among the respective country agencies operating at the borders.
Trade Mark East Africa is Uganda Revenue Authority’s strategic partner and as such helped in brokering and crafting the MOU. Moses Sabiiti mentioned that in addition to facilitating trade across the border, the Elegu/Nimule OSBP will also improve mutual interactions, create synergy, unity of purpose and sustainability. He said, “We are glad the partnership between the two countries has been established. This will provide a framework and mechanism for bilateral cooperation. ” Similarly, John Kalisa echoed this by saying “This MOU is a demonstration of the trust between the two countries, and serves as empowering South Sudan, the youngest country in the world, to benefit from the joint border control. We are equally determined and resolute in strengthening regional cooperation to enhance economic integration as a vehicle for economic prosperity.’’
About TradeMark Africa
TradeMark Africa (TMA) is an aid-for-trade organisation that was established with the aim of growing prosperity in East Africa through increased trade. TMA operates on a not-for-profit basis and is funded by the development agencies of the following countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden, UK, and USA. TMA works closely with East African Community (EAC) institutions, national governments, the private sector and civil society organisations.
TMA seeks to increase trade by unlocking economic potential through three strategic objectives:
- Increasing physical access to markets;
- Enhancing trade environment; and
- Improving business competitiveness.
Increased trade contributes to stronger economic growth, a reduction in poverty and subsequently greater prosperity. TMA has its headquarters in Nairobi with offices in Arusha, Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Juba, Kampala and Kigali.
TradeMark Africa (TMA) is an aid-for-trade organisation that was established with the aim of growing prosperity in East Africa through increased trade. TradeMark Africa (TMA) operates on a not-for-profit basis and is funded by the development agencies of the following countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, UK, and USA. TradeMark Africa (TMA) works closely with East African Community (EAC) institutions, national governments, the private sector and civil society organisations.
