South Sudan border reopens

By Owiny Jolly Tobbias and Fancy Aromorach 

With reports indicating more than 20,000 people across Juba being displaced from their houses to the UN compounds and in the city at churches and mosques, the border between Uganda and South Sudan has been reopened but with only food trucks being allowed through. 

Although by midday the border was opened by Ugandan forces, police and military at Elegu border post were allowing only vehicles with foot items through. 

Vehicles from South Sudan were seen returning empty amidst fears of food shortage in a country heavily dependent on Uganda for its supplies. 

Jimmy Patrick Okema the Aswa Regional spokesperson confirmed the reopening of the border but warned Ugandans against rushing into Sudan amidst threat of continued violence. 

Patrick Okumu the chairman Chamber of Commerce for Amuru district based in Elegu, said that many traders were still stranded with their goods since only few trucks loaded with food items were being allowed access to South Sudan. 

He said the situation had seen traders carry goods on their heads, since the small border crossing stages were closed on the 28th November with boda-boda riders from Uganda not allowed to go beyond 300meters from the main border post. 

Okumu added that the South Sudan government decided to close the small border posts to reduce drug trafficking, illegal immigration, transporting of stolen motorcycles, but insists it has negatively impacted on businesses.