Truck drivers operating along the Uganda–South Sudan corridor have suspended services, leaving hundreds of cargo vehicles stranded at border points over worsening security concerns.
The industrial action followed the killing of a fellow driver in April, an incident that has heightened fears among transporters and disrupted one of East Africa’s key trade routes.
The suspension has effectively paralysed movement along the Nimule–Juba highway, which drivers say has become increasingly unsafe due to repeated attacks.
Chairman of the Uganda National Transporters Alliance, William Busuulwa, said drivers face frequent armed ambushes and robberies once they cross into South Sudan, describing the situation as life-threatening.
He explained that cargo is often stolen during attacks, adding that the recent killing of a colleague further intensified calls for urgent intervention.
Busuulwa urged the reinstatement of joint security patrols between Uganda and South Sudan, which he said previously helped reduce incidents along the corridor.
He noted that earlier cooperation between both countries had improved safety, but weakening coordination in recent years has led to a resurgence of insecurity.
As a result, numerous trucks remain parked on both sides of the border, with drivers insisting they will not resume operations until concrete security measures are put in place.
The disruption is already raising concerns about the supply of essential goods such as food, fuel, and building materials to South Sudan, which depends heavily on imports through Uganda.
In response, Amuru District Resident Commissioner Geoffrey Osborn Oceng acknowledged the economic impact and said discussions were ongoing to resolve the crisis.
He stated that while Uganda has limited jurisdiction over incidents occurring inside South Sudan, efforts are being made to engage authorities on both sides to restore confidence along the route.
Oceng added that a joint meeting involving stakeholders from both countries is expected to be convened to address the security concerns raised by the drivers.
The Nimule Juba highway has for years been associated with sporadic attacks blamed on suspected armed groups, making it one of the most volatile transport routes in the region.