File Photo; Elegu entry point/Eye Radio

Uganda has assured South Sudan that the borders will remain open for goods entering the country, Vice President Wani Igga has said.

Monday, 23 March, is the third day since Ugandan authorities temporarily closed the Nimule-Elegu border on Saturday over coronavirus fears.

Hundreds of people traveling to and from the two countries have also remained stranded at the border or forced to return.

However, Ugandan authorities have only allowed trucks carrying food items and other commodities to cross the border into South Sudan.

Vice President, Dr. James Wani Igga told church congregation at St. Theresa Cathedral in Juba that Uganda has promised the leadership of South Sudan that only goods entering the country will be allowed.

“Uganda yesterday has closed the borders in Nimule and Kaya, including cargos, but we complained last night, we told them that South Sudan is landlocked, how can you closed the border even food supplies,” Vice President Wani said.

“Eventually this morning [Sunday], they told us that they will open it only for cargo, and in that car or vehicle, the driver and the assistant driver only two persons not more.”

Dr. Wani revealed that the S. Sudan-Uganda border will remain closed for people, both private and public transport.

“Other transport buses or any other private means going to Uganda will not be allowed to enter. So are going to do the same, unfortunately, for the protection of our people.”

In the region, Kenya has suspended travel from any country, after confirmation of more coronavirus cases yesterday.

Many African countries, including coronavirus zero-case South Sudan, have already closed schools and universities and barred large public gatherings.