(Wau) – The government of Western Bahr El Ghazal State in South Sudan has imposed a sweeping ban on the sale, import, and consumption of multiple alcoholic beverages, many of which originate from Uganda.
Announced through Council of Ministers Resolution No. 18/2025 on June 16, the move has stirred diplomatic and trade concerns across the region.
The resolution signed by State Secretary General Hillary Claudio Musa lists 16 banned substances, including some of Uganda’s most recognizable alcohol brands such as Uganda Waragi, Royal Blue, Imperial Distilled Gin and Boss Gin.
Local South Sudanese brews like Siko and Arcegi, cocktail mixtures, and controlled substances such as tramadol and crystal methamphetamine locally known as “Ice” are also prohibited.
The ban comes in response to growing public concerns about substance abuse, crime, and its impact on community health and safety. However, the decision has quickly drawn criticism from trade experts and regional officials for potentially violating the East African Community (EAC) Common Market and Customs Union agreements.
According to Article 75 of the EAC Treaty, member states are expected to ensure the free movement of goods across borders and refrain from introducing non-tariff barriers. Trade analysts argue that banning specific brands from another EAC country without regional consultation may breach these commitments.
A senior EAC trade negotiator based in Kampala warned that this unilateral action “amounts to a regional trade blockade” and risks setting a precedent that could undermine economic integration across East Africa.
Ugandan officials are reportedly preparing a formal diplomatic response and may escalate the matter to the East African Court of Justice if bilateral talks with Juba fail.
The decision is particularly sensitive given Uganda’s historic role in supporting South Sudan’s struggle for independence and its ongoing political and military engagement in the region.
“Uganda shed blood and treasure for South Sudan’s liberation. For its products to now be banned without dialogue or scientific review is regrettable,” a Ugandan Foreign Affairs official told local media.
In response to the ban, Ugandan traders in border towns such as Nimule and South Sudan’s state capital, Wau, have already begun removing the listed products from their shops to avoid penalties.
The resolution includes strict penalties for violators. Factories found in breach face fines of SSP 20 million (about $12,500) and six months in prison. Companies may be fined SSP 10 million (around $6,250) and jailed for up to three months. Wholesalers face a SSP 5 million ($3,125) penalty and one month imprisonment, while retailers are subject to SSP 2.5 million ($1,560) fines and two months in jail.
Implementation of the ban will be led by the State Ministry of Trade, Industry and Mining, with enforcement support from the South Sudan Police Service and the National Security Service.
Uganda’s Ministry of Trade has expressed strong concern over the lack of prior consultation and warned that the move could negatively affect small scale traders who rely on alcohol exports to South Sudan for their livelihoods. There are also fears that this action could fuel informal and illegal trade across the border.
Regional observers say the controversy is likely to feature prominently at upcoming EAC ministerial summits, with member states expected to review whether the ban violates the spirit or letter of regional integration.
The dispute also also revealed ongoing challenges in harmonizing domestic health and trade policies within the bloc.
While the Western Bahr El Ghazal government insists that the move was made to protect public health and social order, the lack of regional coordination could worsen relations with Uganda and raise broader questions about compliance with EAC trade protocols.
Discover more from Access Radio Yei News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
