Traders in South Sudan’s Yei River State and their counterparts in Uganda’s Koboko district have urged authorities to improve security, build roads and enhance trade relations along the common borders ahead of the heavy rains.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, several traders from both sides admitted that the relative peace and stability in South Sudan as a result of the revitalized peace agreement has boosted businesses.
They, however, said insecurity and the heavy taxes at checkpoints located along the South Sudan-Uganda highway still hinder trade.
Jean Chandiru, a business woman in Koboko town, said several Ugandans were either killed, abducted or heavily taxed as they conducted their business in South Sudan over the past three years.
“We have been having difficulties while crossing the borders for businesses. Some business men and women have been killed, looted and abducted. The taxes are so high and very many tax points on the side of Yei and by improving security and taxes, trade among communities at the borders will greatly be boosted,” she said.
On his part, Lasu Wani, a business man in Yei River State called for stable security along the Yei-Kaya road to enhance business activities.
He said a police force should be deployed to all towns and checkpoints to minimize cases of multiple taxes on highways.
“We want the government of South Sudan to deploy police to patrol the highways and authorities should also conduct regular meetings with authorities in Uganda so that we feel safe and conduct our businesses freely,” stressed Wani.
Last month, authorities in Yei River State and their counterparts in Uganda’s West Nile districts met and agreed to beef up security along their common borders at Kaya and Oraba.