Drivers and transporters moving cargo to South Sudan have been ordered to immediately stop loading and dispatching goods following a directive by the Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA).
In a statement issued on May 3, LoDDCA said the move was necessary due to deteriorating safety and operational conditions along the South Sudan transport corridor.
The order takes effect immediately and will remain in force until further notice.
The union said the ongoing industrial action, now in its sixth day, has effectively brought transport operations to a standstill, leaving drivers exposed to growing risks.
LoDDCA said trucks transporting South Sudan-bound cargo are no longer moving as expected, leading to serious congestion and disorder at key points along the corridor.
Drivers to Stop Loading Cargo Destines for South Sudan
According to the association, designated holding and parking areas are already full, forcing trucks to spill onto surrounding roads and open spaces.
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The union warned that the continued flow of cargo toward the corridor is worsening congestion and increasing uncertainty for drivers who are already stranded for long periods.
It said the current situation has stretched available infrastructure beyond safe limits and created conditions that endanger drivers and other road users.
LoDDCA said the decision to halt cargo loading was driven by safety concerns and the need to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
The association said drivers are now facing heightened risks due to crowding, lack of proper rest areas, insecurity, fatigue, and poor access to basic services such as food, water, and sanitation.
The union noted that with vehicles piling up and no clear timeline for movement to resume, drivers are being left vulnerable.
It warned that sending more trucks into an already congested corridor would only deepen the gridlock and increase the likelihood of accidents, theft, and conflict.
LoDDCA directed all transporters, clearing agents, and logistics firms to comply fully with the order and to immediately stop loading cargo destined for South Sudan.
It also instructed drivers already on the road to avoid congested areas and instead park at designated, secure rest points along the corridor.
In particular, the association advised drivers currently en route to South Sudan to park at Malaba before entering Uganda or to stop at any other approved and secure holding points as directed by authorities.
LoDDCA said this was crucial to prevent a complete breakdown of order along the route.
The union warned that any transporter or driver who ignores the directive will directly worsen congestion, increase danger to drivers, and prolong disruption of transport operations.
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It stressed that discipline and cooperation across the industry are essential at this critical moment.
What Must Change Before Movement Resumes
LoDDCA said the industrial action remains in force and that cargo movement toward South Sudan will not resume until safety, security, and operational issues are fully addressed.
The union said this must be achieved through clear, verifiable, and enforceable measures agreed upon by all relevant stakeholders.
It reiterated that resuming movement without resolving the underlying issues would be irresponsible and would expose drivers to further harm.
According to the association, any return to normal operations must be based on guarantees that conditions along the corridor are safe and manageable.
The union added that the directive is not intended to disrupt trade unnecessarily but to protect lives and stabilize transport operations.
It said the costs of continued congestion, delays, and risk far outweigh the short-term impact of halting cargo loading.
LoDDCA said it will continue to assess the situation and engage with authorities and other stakeholders.
Further updates, it said, will be communicated as the situation evolves.
