Uganda-South Sudan border impasse: Uganda security arrests Kenyan truck drivers' leader

Long distance truck drivers on the Kenyan side have imposed a blockade on Ugandan border entry points after Ugandan security forces arrested their leader.

Mr Sudi Kauli Mwatela, the chairperson of Long-Distance Drivers Union, and a Kenyan national, was arrested on Sunday at the Uganda-South Sudan border town of Elegu, after addressing truck drivers, who parked their vehicles protesting harassment, insecurity and illegal charges in South Sudan.

Upon receiving the news of the arrest of Mr Mwatela, truck drivers on Kenyan side blocked Malaba and Busia border points, and vowed not to leave until their leader was released.

Mr Asadu Musisi, the chairman of Alliance of Heavy Truck Drivers Federation, and Mr Isaac Katabaazi, the chairperson of Regional Truck Transformation Initiative, confirmed the arrest of Mr Mwatela.

“It is true. He was arrested by security forces after we returned from South Sudan where we held a meeting with the South Sudanese authorities to resolve the issues that led to the sit-down strike. He is being accused of incitement and sabotage,” Mr Katabazi said.

Efforts to get a comment from Mr David Ongom, the police spokesman of Aswa Region, were futile since his known mobile phone contact couldn’t be reached by press time.

The drivers’ protest at Elegu has lasted more than a week, causing over a 16-kilometre traffic jam and shortage of basic commodities in South Sudan.

On Sunday, Mr Mwatela alongside other truck drivers’ leaders travelled to South Sudan where they met South Sudanese and Uganda Revenue Authority officials to resolve the impasse.

The parties reportedly resolved the issues and truck drivers were asked to call off the strike.

A source in the meeting said Mr Mwatela refused to sign the document calling off the strike in the meeting in South Sudan. He insisted that they travel to Elegu Township and address the striking truck drivers and then sign the document, which the South Sudanese authorities declined.

The South Sudanese authorities allegedly insisted that everyone signs that document in the room before leaving. Mr Mwatela later signed the document.

However, when he returned to Uganda, he addressed the truck drivers telling them that they signed the document at gunpoint, and he told them not to call off the strike.

Sources said members of Mr Mwatela’s union also alleged that Ugandan truck drivers were bribed to sign the document, an allegation they have denied.

After addressing the truck drivers, Mr Mwatela was picked by the security agencies and his whereabouts isn’t yet known.

Mr Katabazi refuted claims that Ugandan leaders were bribed, saying the issues were resolved and all parties, including other Kenyan representatives of transporters, signed the document to call off the strike.

“He (Mwatela) signed the document. The truck drivers have called off the strike. The trucks have resumed their travels to South Sudan,” Mr Katabazi said.

In the agreement document that was released on Sunday, the government of South Sudan resolved to implement 15 points immediately.

These included removal of all unnecessary roadblocks along the Juba-Nimule Highway, cancellation of all illegal immigration charges, and cancellation of all unlawful charges collected through empty manifest from empty crates and containers at the border.

The US$70 that was paid by each truck driver at the South Sudan customs will now be paid by the owner of the goods.

“Cancellation of all illegal fees charged by CID; cancellation of SSP90,000 stamp duty being charged at the exit gate; cancellation of all illegal charges imposed by the civil defence/fire brigade department; cancellation of illegal SSP20,000 charges at Nimule, Jebel checkpoints, Aru Junction, Nesitu and Juba Bridge,” the document reads.

The South Sudanese authorities declined to release truck drivers held in several detention facilities over minor infractions, saying they need to consult the police and judiciary first.

They also promised to reinforce security personnel along the highways to ensure that truck drivers aren’t ambushed or harassed.

However, some truck drivers said the South Sudan officials have made the same promises they tabled in 2024, when the truck drivers went on strike.

“Sudi’s argument was that the South Sudanese aren’t committed to implementing the agreement. They haven’t resolved any of the issues they committed to handle two years ago,” one of the leaders of the truck driver said.