Sudan, Uganda agree to develop transport, communications

March 26, 2007 (KAMPALA) — Sudan and Uganda have agreed to improve the transport and communication network between the two nations. The deal was reached during the fifth session of the Joint Ministerial Commission in Khartoum last week.

The two countries committed themselves to improving the road network by upgrading four key roads connecting the two countries, the daily New Vision reported.

The Gulu-Nimule-Juba-Malakal and Arua-Koboko-Juba roads will be tarmacked. The Moroto-Kotido-Kaabong-Kapoeta and the Kitgum-Ikotus roads will be made first class gravel.

This was announced in a press conference by the internal affairs minister, Ruhakana Rugunda, who led the Ugandan delegation to Sudan.

The two countries agreed to reactivate water transport on River Nile (between Packwach and South Sudan’s capital, Juba) and build a railway network between Packwach-Arua-Yei-Juba-Wau or Gulu-Atiak-Nimule-Juba-Wau. Sudan Airways has also promised to resume flights to Entebbe next month.

Rugunda said the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding that provides for cooperation in health care and the prevention of malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

They also agreed on the need to put in place mechanisms to rehabilitate and resettle refugees and returnees.

(New Vision)