The companies mainly affected by the outbreak of war fall under the Uganda South Sudan Grain Traders and Suppliers Association Limited; and Joint Association for Redemption of Ugandan Traders in South Sudan. A total of 33 of these companies were verified but only 10 were included in the motion.
Parliament has approved the government’s plan to pay USD41 million (about UGX150 billion) to Ugandan traders who incurred losses after the government of South Sudan failed to pay for goods they supplied.
An outbreak of civil war in the restive nation in 2013 saw several traders who were dealing with the South Sudanese government incur huge losses.
South Sudan remains restive five years later with insecurity on major roads connecting to Juba, especially the network with Uganda.
Following complaints by the traders, the government moved a motion seeking Parliament’s approval toward compensation for the losses incurred by the traders.
Consequently, the parliamentary Committee on National Economy was tasked to scrutinise the government’s request, and later noted that the ongoing conflict in South Sudan has taken a toll on Uganda’s exports to country bordering Uganda from the north and affected the survival of export enterprises, which have lost capital due to non-payments.
The companies mainly affected by the outbreak of war fall under the Uganda South Sudan Grain Traders and Suppliers Association Limited; and Joint Association for Redemption of Ugandan Traders in South Sudan. A total of 33 of these companies were verified but only 10 were included in the motion.
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The 10 companies to share the UGX150 billion are; Rubya Investments Limited (USD2.4 million), Kibungo Enterprises (USD9.7 million, Aponye (U) Limited (USD13 millio, Afro Kai Ltd (USD2 million), and Swift Commodities Establishment Ltd (USD811,345).
Others are Sunrise Commodities Ltd (USD$928,991), Sophie Omari (USD802,26), Apo General Enterprises (USD3.2 million, Ropani International (USD3.2 million), and K.K Transporters (USD4.8 million).
Members of the committee, however, stressed that equity and fairness should be applied when putting up the list of affected companies and individuals, and in the verification process.
Silas Aogon (Ind Kumi Municipality) said that besides the 10 companies that were listed, many people suffered losses while trading in South Sudan.
“Let the government commit to paying the traders, we can wait for the Government of South Sudan to pay later but when everyone is covered,