Uganda bans food exports to South Sudan – report

August 29, 2009 (KAMPALA) –Ugandan Government has stopped food export to Southern Sudan following criticism over the worsening famine in the country, the Daily Monitor disclosed today.

Since last June it was reported that food exports to southern Sudan had negatively affected Uganda’s food security as the farmers prefer to export their production to Juba where they are attracted by the good prices.

Following directives from “above” government had decided to suspend food exports to stabilize stocks on local markets said a high ranking official of Uganda Export Promotions Board who required anonymity.

According to the daily, last week, a number of trucks ferrying bananas ,or Matooke they call it, and cereals to Juba via Oraba customs post in Koboko District in northwestern Uganda were reportedly turned away.

However Ugandan trade minister, Mr. Kahinda Otafiire dismissed the existence of such ban. “I don’t know anything like that. We are continuing to export all the agricultural products.”

Speaking last June, President Museveni said the Ugandan exports for last financial year stood at $2.8 billion compared with $2.6 billion the year before, mainly due to increased regional demand.

(ST)