South Sudan’s government has promised to reciprocate Uganda with visa exemption after the Ugandan government issued a decision granting South Sudanese citizens travelling to Uganda visa-free entry.

Uganda said last week that it is scrapping visa requirements for South Sudan nationals beginning 1 October.

“That means South Sudanese travelling to Uganda will be free to enter Uganda as long as they carry a valid passport and meet other health conditions for travellers,” said First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs Rebecca Kadaga.

She said South Sudan has been given 30 days to reciprocate, but if it fails, that Uganda would revise the move.

"Since the Ugandans have done it, we will definitely do the same... We are members of the East African Community,” Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s Minister of Information, told reporters in Juba on Friday.

The move by South Sudan’s government to foster effective integration of the East African community has been received with different reactions, especially on social media.

In April 2016, South Sudan joined the regional intergovernmental organization which includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.