By Raymond Baguma

Uganda is to establish permanent diplomatic representation in South Sudan by constructing a chancellery building in the capital Juba.

The ministry of foreign affairs has advertised for a contractor who will construct the premises which will include a mission block, apartment block, generator house, gate house and boundary wall.

Ambassador James Mugume, the ministry of foreign affairs permanent secretary told New Vision that the Government of South Sudan gave Uganda a plot of land.

The land was initially given to enable the Ugandan government set up a market for the Ugandan traders in Juba. Also, there are over 10,000 Ugandans, mainly traders, living in Juba.

However, given the high cost of rent in Juba, Government decided to set up a permanent mission to save on the high cost of administration, as well as offer consular services to the Ugandan community.

South Sudan attained independence on 9 July 2011 after the nationals voted in a referendum to secede from Khartoum, ending over 50 years of civil war between the Arab-dominated Khartoum and the Christian South Sudan.

Uganda was the first country to open a diplomatic mission in Juba following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between Khartoum and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA).