Summary:

• The National Bureau of Standards confiscated 17 trucks carrying substandard and smuggled goods destined for Juba, originating from Nimule town and Nesitu checkpoint. The action follows collaborative efforts between South Sudan and Uganda to combat the trade of substandard goods.

On Wednesday, the National Bureau of Standards seized 17 commercial trucks transporting substandard and illicit goods bound for Juba, originating from Nimule town and the Nesitu checkpoint. This action follows the collaborative efforts of the South Sudan and Uganda Bureau of Standards to combat the influx of substandard goods exchanged between the two nations.

Dr. Kuorwel Kuai Kuorwel, the chairperson of the Bureau, revealed that the institution’s technical team uncovered the unlawful transit of goods during a routine inspection. The trucks, laden with various goods, were imported by four suppliers based in Juba, hailing from Brazil, India, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.

Speaking to state-owned television SSBC on Wednesday, Dr. Kuai specified, “The truckers were imported by 4 Juba-based suppliers. These trucks originated from Brazil, India, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.”

Further examination by border inspection officers disclosed that, among the 17 trucks, five were loaded with sugar and had been illicitly transported to Juba without undergoing the necessary laboratory tests to ensure their safety for consumption.

Dr. Kuai emphasized the Bureau’s commitment to taking legal action against the offenders for charges of forgery and smuggling. He stated, “We will categorize them into three: forgery and smuggling. This is a clear case that requires a legal procedure for those who have engaged in such activities.”