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| Elegu OSBP after construction. Photo taken in 2019. |
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/Elegu 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 East Africa (TMEA), Michael Ojatum, Uganda OSBP Programme Manager
TMEA, Damali Ssali, Uganda Trade Environment Programme Manager TMEA, and John
Kalisa, South Sudan Country Director TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) 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.
TradeMark East Africa
(TMEA) 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 East Africa.
TradeMark East Africa
(TMEA) is an aid-for-trade organisation that was established with the aim of
growing prosperity in East Africa through increased trade. TradeMark East
Africa (TMEA) 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. TradeMark East Africa (TMEA)
works closely with East African Community (EAC) institutions, national
governments, the private sector and civil society organisations.
TMEA
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. TMEA has its headquarters in Nairobi with offices in Arusha, Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Juba, Kampala and Kigali.
SOURCE : https://feaffa.com/news/uganda-and-south-sudan-ink-partnership-formation-one-stop-border-post
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