Ugandan security forces arrested Sudi Kauli Mwatela, the chairperson of the Long-Distance Drivers Union and a Kenyan national, at the Uganda-South Sudan border on May 10, 2026. The arrest has led to a blockade by Kenyan truck drivers at border entry points, disrupting cross-border trade.
According to reports from local media, the arrest occurred during a dispute over transit fees. The Long-Distance Drivers Union has called for Mwatela's release, demanding dialogue with Ugandan authorities. The blockade has halted the movement of goods, affecting supplies to South Sudan.
Kenyan officials have expressed concern over the incident, urging Uganda to resolve the matter peacefully. The Ugandan government has not yet issued an official statement regarding the arrest or the blockade.
