Men selling goods at Marol Market, Bor town - [Photo credit: Alamy]

The Ministry of Trade and Industry and the National Chamber of Commerce have agreed to opened investigations into alleged exclusive supply deals by Ugandan firms accused of blocking South Sudanese traders from accessing imports.

The move comes after businessman Mayen Yai Angok claimed on social media that a beverage company in Uganda denied him import access, saying it had entered an exclusive agreement with a foreign-owned depot company in Juba as the sole supplier — allegations that attracted widespread public attention across different media platforms.

The resolution followed a meeting in Juba on Thursday between National Trade Minister Dr. Labanya Margaret Mathya and the Chamber of Commerce leadership.

According to a statement from the Ministry’s Press Unit, the two institutions agreed to jointly investigate companies accused of engaging in exclusive supply practices that limit fair competition in cross-border trade.

The Undersecretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ustaz Yel Luol Koor, urged the public to remain calm, saying the matter is now being handled by the relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Ladu Lukak reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to protecting local traders and defending the country’s broader commercial interests.

The Ministry and the Chamber further pledged to promote a fair, transparent, and competitive trading environment for all South Sudanese citizens.