The prolonged strike by long-distance goods truck drivers in Nimule Town along the border of South Sudan and Uganda has raised serious alarms among citizens, traders, and local business leaders in Eastern Equatoria State.
The State Chamber of Commerce voiced concern, saying the drivers’ strike is negatively impacting both commercial activity and the local population.
For over a week, haulers halted their operations and parked their vehicles in Elegu on the Ugandan side of the border. They cited increasing insecurity along the Juba-Nimule highway and continuous harassment by security personnel as the primary reasons for their strike.
The long-distance drivers, mostly from East African Community (EAC) member states, previously expressed frustration over the violation of a critical agreement in December 2024, which resolved to remove illegal roadblocks, end the collection of unlawful fees, and address harassment and unjust taxation practices that contradict regional protocols.
The trigger of the latest strike was the tragic murder of a driver who was stopped at an illegal roadblock by armed security personnel wielding machetes on the Nimule-Juba highway on 28 April 2026.
In a grim twist, another driver faced a similar attack later and was injured the same day in the border town of Nimule, further emboldening the drivers to refuse to work.
The ongoing blockade has led to severe shortages of essential goods, including fuel and food, across South Sudan.
This situation is exacerbated by the ripple effects of the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran, which has driven petroleum prices skyward.
Lily Hidita Nartisio, the Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce in Eastern Equatoria State, explained the dire implications of the strike.
“The border closure by truck drivers significantly affects our region. Our goods come through that crossing, and without them, our lives are impacted tremendously,” she said. “Our government must step in; I believe we can find solutions. The longer the border remains shut, or vehicles remain immobile, the more people’s lives are jeopardized.”
“The availability of goods is crucial for our citizens; when supplies stop, they are left with nothing,” Hidita added.
She said the chamber is keeping a close watch on the situation and communicating with traders about potential options, including sourcing goods directly from Juba, to alleviate the pressures faced by the community.
For his part, Lieutenant Colonel David Khasmiro, Chief Inspector of Police in Nimule Town Council, confirmed that the drivers’ strike has been ongoing for over a week.
“These drivers are extremely frustrated by the continuous issues they are facing. The demands for security assurances have escalated, as they seek guarantees that they will not be harmed while on the road,” he explained. “If the situation does not improve, our citizens will undoubtedly suffer, especially now that the farming season is upon us and the food supply from Uganda is critical.”
He revealed that a committee from Juba is on its way to help resolve the matter swiftly and urged residents to be involved in fostering security.
“We must discourage any form of insecurity,” he advised. “Our citizens should educate their families that issues like these, stemming from just a few individuals, can tarnish the image of our entire nation.”
A clearing agent stationed at the Nimule border, who only identified himself as Deng, corroborated the drivers’ grievances.
“The ongoing strike is centered around rampant insecurity and extortion along the routes. There are multiple roadblocks from Nimule to Juba, often resulting in harassment of the drivers,” he enlightened. “Currently, all trucks, be they from South Sudan or Uganda, are inactive at the Elegu border due to these security concerns, which affect everyone, regardless of nationality.”
Deng also noted that the government is currently negotiating with the drivers, with discussions about security being prioritized as a team is dispatched from Juba to engage with the union representing long-distance drivers.
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