The Elegu border market, situated in Ugandas Amuru District, serves as a pivotal gateway for trade between Uganda and South Sudan. Located along the Gulu–Nimule Road, this market facilitates the movement of goods and people between the two nations.

Trade and Economic Activity

• 
  

  Strategic Importance: Elegu is one of the busiest border crossings in the region, handling significant volumes of trade between Uganda and South Sudan. In the 2022/2023 fiscal year, trade through Elegu was approximately $220 million, underscoring its role in regional commerce. 

  
  


• 
  

  Commodity Trade: The market sees substantial trade in agricultural commodities, including maize and rice. However, challenges such as impounded trucks due to standardization issues have been reported, affecting the smooth flow of goods. 

  
  

Empowering Small-Scale Traders

• 
  

  Women and Youth in Trade: A significant proportion of small-scale traders at Elegu are women and youth. These groups often face challenges such as limited access to market information and exposure to complex trade procedures. Efforts are underway to publish trade procedures for commonly traded goods to aid these traders. 

  
  

Infrastructure and Development

• 
  

  One-Stop Border Post (OSBP): The Elegu-Nimule border has been transformed into a One-Stop Border Post, streamlining customs and immigration procedures to enhance trade efficiency. This development is part of broader efforts to facilitate regional integration. 

  
  


• 
  

  Climate-Resilient Market: To address challenges such as flooding, Uganda is constructing its first climate-resilient market atu, with funding from the European Union and Denmark. This facility aims to provide a sustainable trading environment for local and cross-border traders. 

  
  

The Elegu border market is a vital economic center that facilitates significant trade between Uganda and South Sudan. Ongoing infrastructure developments and support initiatives aim to enhance trade efficiency, empower traders—especially women and youth—and promote economic growth in the region.