Talks underway in Nimule to end truck drivers’ work disruptions

A high-level government delegation is in the border town of Nimule to address protests by long-distance truck drivers over insecurity and disruptions at the main crossing point with Uganda, officials said.

The team, led by Deputy Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority Solomon Ariik Manyok, includes security officials and other representatives tasked with engaging drivers and border authorities.

On arrival on Wednesday, Manyok said the delegation aimed to resolve grievances that prompted a temporary suspension of operations by some drivers.

“I have come to Nimule with my team and other organized forces to rectify the situation. We are here to address the concerns raised by the drivers and will stay for a few days to find a reasonable solution,” he said.

“One of their key concerns is an incident that occurred about two weeks ago, where criminals assaulted three drivers in Nimule. Security agencies have taken steps to address the case and treat those who were injured,” he added.

Nimule Mayor Caesar Longa Fuli said the town remained calm and that normal activities were continuing.

“Nimule is calm; everything is running normally. Businesses are open, and buses from Kampala to Juba are operating without disruption. Immigration services are also functioning well,” he said.

He acknowledged, however, that some drivers had halted operations on the Ugandan side following reported assaults.

The Assistant Commissioner for Customs in Nimule, Jacob Malith Apiu, said border operations were continuing despite the protests.

“Our work is continuing as normal. Trucks that arrived before the strike are being processed, and some have already proceeded to Juba. The border is not closed,” he said.

He said the protest mainly involved drivers from Kenya and Somalia, while Ugandan cargo trucks continued to operate.

Malith confirmed that three drivers were injured in separate incidents but had since received treatment and resumed work, adding that no fatalities were reported.

The Secretary General of the Kenyan Transporters Association, Mercy Ireri, said insecurity and attacks on drivers remained a major concern and called for a structured mechanism to address recurring incidents.