Uganda, South Sudan agree to patrol Nimule-Juba route

Okello Oryem the minister of state in charge of international affairs  (newvision)

The governments of Uganda and South Sudan have agreed on security measures to protect travellers, drivers, and traders along the Nimule to Juba route.

Uganda has expressed its concern at the continued assault, attacks, and killings of Ugandan travellers on the Juba-Nimule route.

The First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and Minister for East African Community Affairs said the agreement has been reached with the South Sudan Government on strict and tough security measures.

“We shall establish security patrols at every 10-kilometre mark. There will be protection by convoy escort,” Kadaga said.

Uganda and South Sudan have been having talks over a growing number of deadly ambushes on South Sudanese territory targeting transit trucks.

Okello Oryem the minister of state in charge of international affairs travelled to South Sudan's capital, Juba, to discuss stopping the ambushes with his counterparts, according to a statement issued by Uganda's ministry of foreign affairs.

'The government of Uganda a few days ago received with deep shock and concern the killing of Ugandans and destruction of goods along this stretch of road. The government of Uganda has expressed its concern in the past and once again condemns the killings,' said a statement issued in Uganda's parliament by John Mulimba, minister of state in charge of regional cooperation.

The concern of the attacks in which about seven Ugandans were killed had been conveyed to the government of South Sudan, Mulimba said.

Reports said that about seven Ugandan drivers had been killed by militants in areas between Juba and the border with Uganda.

In April, Uganda asked South Sudan to compensate families of drivers who were killed by unknown militia in different road ambushes.

Uganda and South Sudan are in the process of compensating traders billions of shillings that were lost during the war in South Sudan.