transportation 11 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Releases Truck Drivers' Leaders, Border Blockade Ends
Ugandan authorities have released leaders of the long-distance truck drivers' union, leading to the lifting of a blockade at Uganda-Kenya border entry points. The protest followed the arrest of the union's chairperson and was related to issues faced by drivers in South Sudan. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/truck-drivers-leaders-released-blockade-on-uganda-kenya-border-entry-points-lifted--5455512
The Ugandan government has released key leaders of the long-distance truck drivers’ union, a move that has since resolved the blockade at border entry points with Kenya. The disruption occurred after truck drivers staged a protest, parking over 4,000 vehicles, in response to the arrest of their leaders, including Sudi Kauli Mwatela, the chairperson of the Long Distance Drivers Union, by Ugandan security forces in northern Uganda.
Uganda Police Force spokesperson, Rusoke Kituuma, confirmed the release, stating that the leaders were apprehended for allegedly inciting violence among transporters against driving to South Sudan, despite an agreement to call off a strike over issues in that country. The arrests took place at the Elegu border point.
The blockade had brought transport to a standstill at Malaba, Busia, Suama, and Lwakhakha border crossings, impacting the supply chain and causing financial losses. The protest stemmed from a broader sit-down strike by truckers protesting harassment, insecurity, and illegal charges in South Sudan.
Following the release of their leaders, truck drivers have reportedly resumed operations at the Uganda-Kenya border points. However, the chairman of the Uganda Clearing and Forwarding Association, Peter Sireka Namalwa, noted the significant difficulties the disruptions caused to sector players on both sides.
This situation is part of ongoing challenges faced by truck drivers along the Northern Corridor, often related to tariff and non-tariff barriers, insecurity, and poor road conditions, particularly concerning routes to and from South Sudan. An earlier blockade at the Uganda-South Sudan border highlighted similar grievances, including harassment and illegal fees.
In a related meeting, South Sudanese authorities agreed to implement 15 points aimed at resolving the issues, including removing roadblocks, cancelling illegal charges, and shifting certain customs payments to the goods’ owners. However, some drivers expressed skepticism about the commitment to these promises, citing unaddressed issues from previous agreements.