Regional trade dynamics within the East African Community (EAC) have shifted dramatically, with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) displacing Kenya as Uganda’s primary export destinations in Africa. Monthly central bank figures revealed South Sudan taking the top spot after importing US$55.9million worth of Ugandan goods in a single month a 54% jump from previous periods while the DRC followed closely in second place at US$45.4million. In contrast, Kenya, historically Kampala's largest regional trading partner, slid to third place with exports dropping to US$35.7million amid lingering non-tariff trade frictions and market reallocation.

The surge in demand from Juba and Kinshasa is primarily driven by manufactured goods, construction materials, and essential food items. Landlocked South Sudan and the eastern DRC rely heavily on Ugandan supplies of cement, iron and steel, sugar, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), and agricultural staples like maize and dairy. The expansion into the DRC has been accelerated by its formal accession to the EAC, lower reciprocal tariffs, and joint cross-border infrastructure initiatives aimed at connecting regional trade corridors.

On an annual basis, trade with the DRC has reached record highs, with 12-month export revenues surpassing US$625million, compared to US$592.9million for Kenya and around US$500million for South Sudan. These shifts have significantly broadened Uganda’s trade surplus with its western and northern neighbors, offsetting periodic import declines elsewhere in the region.