Border Conflicts and Uganda -South Sudan Trade

ABSTRACT The study revealed that the causes of border conflict and Uganda-South Sudan trade are: Poor demarcation of borders; resentment by South Sudanese; high influx of Ugandans into South Sudan; high taxes charged on Ugandan goods by South Sudan Government; volatile security at the borders of the two countries. The methodology used was both qualitative and quantitative and involved text content analysis, the sample of 136 respondents participated in the study and the instruments used were questioners and interview guide for data collection. Objectives of the study were analyzed and the findings were as follows: The causes of border conflict and Uganda-South Sudan trade. This sub section targets objective 1 of the study. The section sought to examine the causes of border conflict and Uganda-South Sudan trade. The findings show that poor border demarcation was extremely responsible for causing border conflicts between Uganda and South Sudan (mean 5.530). The second objective was: Trade-related conflicts involving Ugandans and other foreign investors, this finding show that the respondents mainly found the provided statements true and moderately true. For example, it was found that: Attacks of non-Sudanese traders by South Sudanese nationals is one of the trade-related conflicts involving Uganda and South Sudan (mean 4.607). Third objective was: Immediate impact of the current South Sudan military conflicts on the business communities of the two countries. The results of the findings show that there are mainly very high and high effects of the border conflicts on business of the two countries. For example, the respondents admitted that indeed business is affected due to boundary conflicts (mean 4.869). This means that the border conflict has a high bearing on business performance of Uganda and South Sudan. The fourth objective was: Possible interventions to promote growth and development opportunities, it was recommended that trade restrictions between South Sudan and her neighboring countries be relaxed (mean 4.576). Uganda and South Sudan should develop a good relationship and the agreements therein that bind them. It is through this that the two countries can be at peace.