South Sudanese government reportedly owes an estimated amount of Sh151 billion in debt to Ugandan traders and businesses.
Uganda’s Minister of Finance Matia Kasaija said his office has since written to Juba, seeking reimbursement of funds paid to Ugandan traders and companies.
This comes after Kasaija appeared before the Trade, Tourism, and Industries Committee on Thursday and responded to questions from the committee on the selective payment of South Sudan traders.
In his statement, the Finance Minister told the committee that his office had written to the South Sudan government asking for reimbursement of the money they paid to Ugandan traders.
“We have already submitted letters of claim. When I met the South Sudan Minister, he answered positively, that they have received the letter and they are making preparations to pay,” Kasaija said.
It was gathered that the Ugandan Parliament endorsed the government’s request to clear Shs151 billion (approximately SSP25 billion) owed to Ugandan traders and companies by the South Sudan government.
Ugandan traders supplied goods and services to the Government of South Sudan between 2008 and 2010, but following an outbreak of conflict in December 2013, the payment process was interrupted.
Meanwhile, South Sudan government is yet to respond to the claims made by Kampala.
