Juba cancels commercial flights
Jul 08, 2011
COMMERCIAL flights to South Sudan have been suspended for two days as the government prepares for the Independence Day celebrations due tomorrow.
By Chris Kiwawulo and Frederick Womakuyu
COMMERCIAL flights to South Sudan have been suspended for two days as the government prepares for the Independence Day celebrations due tomorrow.
Airline companies had to ask passengers that had booked flights from Entebbe to Juba today and tomorrow to wait until Sunday when normal schedules resume.
Instead, the airport will only be open for heads of state and VIPs expected for the fete. About 1,500 dignitaries and 30 heads of state have been invited for the celebrations.
The closure of Juba Airport has affected over 10 airlines that fly to Juba from different parts of Africa. It also means no planes will be flying from Juba to Kampala and any other destination. The cancellation of the flights has affected scores of Ugandans who intended to travel to South Sudan, mainly for trade.
Uganda exports more goods to south Sudan than any country in the world. Cross-border trade between Uganda and South Sudan recently surpassed $150m.
Air Uganda spokesperson Regina Busingye said the Government of South Sudan (GoSS) had communicated to them about the closure.
The move is one of the security measures the GoSS has undertaken to ensure peaceful celebrations. According to information minister Dr. Barnabas Mariel, the heavy security presence at all borders of the new republic is to ensure that the independence celebrations go on smoothly.
In Juba, the mood is electric, everybody is excited as seen from the happy faces around.
“Welcome to our country,†a smiling police officer says, greeting visitors walking past him on the street. “Welcome to the Republic of South Sudan!â€
The officer’s infectious spirit resonates among the residents of Juba, where a declaration of independence will be signed on Saturday, giving birth to the world’s 196th nation, the Republic of South Sudan.
The national flag, in the red, black and green colours, can be seen on every government building in Juba town, while all the streets have been painted and roads repaired.
All public vehicles have been stopped from entering the centre of the town, where the celebrations will take place.
Boda boda riders, dressed in T-shirts donned with independence messages, ride through the streets, hooting and singing the national anthem.
In the nearby stadium, citizens, dressed in the traditional regalia of skins and hides and armed with spears and bows, put up a well-choreographed dance, rehearsing for the day.
“It is almost impossible to believe that this day has come. I am very happy. Even if I die, I would have seen what we have been fighting for - freedom,†says Mariel.
COMMERCIAL flights to South Sudan have been suspended for two days as the government prepares for the Independence Day celebrations due tomorrow.
Airline companies had to ask passengers that had booked flights from Entebbe to Juba today and tomorrow to wait until Sunday when normal schedules resume.
Instead, the airport will only be open for heads of state and VIPs expected for the fete. About 1,500 dignitaries and 30 heads of state have been invited for the celebrations.
The closure of Juba Airport has affected over 10 airlines that fly to Juba from different parts of Africa. It also means no planes will be flying from Juba to Kampala and any other destination. The cancellation of the flights has affected scores of Ugandans who intended to travel to South Sudan, mainly for trade.
Uganda exports more goods to south Sudan than any country in the world. Cross-border trade between Uganda and South Sudan recently surpassed $150m.
Air Uganda spokesperson Regina Busingye said the Government of South Sudan (GoSS) had communicated to them about the closure.
The move is one of the security measures the GoSS has undertaken to ensure peaceful celebrations. According to information minister Dr. Barnabas Mariel, the heavy security presence at all borders of the new republic is to ensure that the independence celebrations go on smoothly.
In Juba, the mood is electric, everybody is excited as seen from the happy faces around.
“Welcome to our country,†a smiling police officer says, greeting visitors walking past him on the street. “Welcome to the Republic of South Sudan!â€
The officer’s infectious spirit resonates among the residents of Juba, where a declaration of independence will be signed on Saturday, giving birth to the world’s 196th nation, the Republic of South Sudan.
The national flag, in the red, black and green colours, can be seen on every government building in Juba town, while all the streets have been painted and roads repaired.
All public vehicles have been stopped from entering the centre of the town, where the celebrations will take place.
Boda boda riders, dressed in T-shirts donned with independence messages, ride through the streets, hooting and singing the national anthem.
In the nearby stadium, citizens, dressed in the traditional regalia of skins and hides and armed with spears and bows, put up a well-choreographed dance, rehearsing for the day.
“It is almost impossible to believe that this day has come. I am very happy. Even if I die, I would have seen what we have been fighting for - freedom,†says Mariel.