Ugandan Traders under the umbrella Association Joint Action for Redemption of Uganda traders in Sudan have threatened to stage a demonstration from the 14th of February, in protest of the inhuman treatment by Sudanese nationals against the Ugandan traders in Sudan. The disgruntled traders’ resolution comes after their multiple pleas to the Uganda government and Sudan seems to have been ignored for a very long time.
Traders lament their plight in southern Sudan of which Ugandans are killed and the culprits go without prosecution. Over 12 Ugandans have so far been killed in Southern Sudan since the beginning of this year and no legal measures have been taken to find justice for the victims.
The traders’ grievances arise from the fact that Sudan nationals enjoy full safety and security while staying and doing business in Uganda but instead they return brutal treatment to Ugandans in their county.
But now despair arise from the fact that even when their grievances are presented before the Uganda and Sudan authorities, their complaints are not taken seriously.
It is now time for traders to fight for their own justice and right through demonstrations and strikes. The traders’ plans are already complete since all the concerned authorities that include Uganda police and parliament have been officially informed.
During the demonstration, trade at the two countries’ border will be put to a halt and the boarder will be closed. This means that entry and exit will be prohibited at the boarder.
The traders also insist that if the Sudan government becomes more adamant, the demonstration will as well extend to blocking the country’s entry into the East African Community.
The hope that had come with the Southern Sudan independence diminishes day by day, since efforts for the country to come out with clear and legal procedures in the regulation of different economic, political and social activities is but almost a myth. The rate of lawlessness and impunity is the order of the day making it so risky to operate in an area however much lucrative the market there would be.
SALMA NAMWANJE
