
It is not the first or the last time there will be diplomatic impasse or questions across the borders of Uganda and South Sudan. Juba and Kampala are working cordially and as friendly neighbours. Uganda has exported products and been a trading partner for a long time. This is why the Government of Uganda has helped out businesses and exports to South Sudan in general.
What is not working however is when the Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, Rebecca Kadaga comes with an ultimatum to the South Sudanese Minister of East African Community Affairs, Deng Alor Kuol. She did that in a letter dated to the 7th June titled “Request for the release and return of impounded trucks carrying Ugandan maize flour and other cargo”.
Yes, she is within her rights to ask the South Sudanese Authorities to release the vehicles and the drivers who are stuck in South Sudan. Nevertheless, the letter itself was a humble or a recognition of the state of affairs. The South Sudanese Authorities only doing protocol and ensure safety of the food that imported from Uganda. It is showing that the South Sudanese Authorities are concerned about what is imported and sold for human consumption. That should be applauded and not disregarded.
The truck drivers and the companies coming with the maize flour wasn’t there on donation drive or charity. This was business and they planned to unleash this maize flour on South Sudanese consumers. Therefore, the authorities just needed to do this and ensure the right of passage.
It is not a good look of a high ranking official to cry havoc over possibly poisonous food. This is maize flour that isn’t good for consumption. Alas, the Ugandan traders and companies thought they could dump this and sell it off in South Sudan. Because, they knew they couldn’t risk doing the same at home or within the Republic of Uganda.
The outcry of Kadaga to Alor Kuol is telling. The arrogance and bitterness of getting caught. She should know better and plea for the return of the trucks. That would have made sense. They were carrying dangerous food and we can be grateful that it didn’t hit the markets. As the maize flour could have poisoned people.
The South Sudanese Minister should hold this letter in contempt and the remedies of it too. It is like Kadaga wants to save face and shield the companies who was actively importing the maize flour. When they knew very well what they where bringing to South Sudan. It doesn’t happen by default, but as a “last resort” or “final destination”. Because, the Deputy PM knows this wouldn’t fly at home either. People wouldn’t accept the danger or the possible damage it would cause to consume this maize flour.
Kadaga is a disappointment here. She should know better, but apparently that’s too much to ask. Peace.















