The 475-kilometer border between South Sudan and Uganda serves as the most critical economic lifeline for the landlocked nation of South Sudan. This frontier is a vital artery for almost all imported goods, humanitarian aid, and human movement, connecting the capital of Juba to the port of Mombasa in Kenya via Uganda.
The one and only major crossing point is at the town of Nimule in South Sudan, which connects to Elegu in Uganda. This border post handles a huge volume of commercial trucks and passenger buses daily. The road from the Ugandan border to Juba is the most important highway in South Sudan.
While the border crossing itself is a well-established, if often congested, procedure, the journey requires a high degree of security awareness. The highway between Nimule and Juba has historically been a target for ambushes and illegal checkpoints, and while security has improved at times, the risk can change quickly.
For travelers, this is the primary and most viable entry point into South Sudan. However, you must use reputable bus companies or private transport and get the most up-to-date information on the security situation along the route before you travel.