KAMPALA, Uganda

Uganda said Thursday that it is scrapping visa requirement for South Sudan nationals beginning Oct. 1.

South Sudanese who want to travel to Uganda will enter without a visa in one of the latest moves meant to foster effective integration of the East African community.

“That means South Sudanese traveling to Uganda will be free to enter Uganda as long as they carry a valid passport and meet other health conditions for travelers,” said First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs Rebecca Kadaga.

She said South Sudan has been given 30 days to reciprocate, but if it fails, that Uganda would revise the move.

South Sudanese businessman Thomas Odek is very happy about the development. “I am happy because Uganda has removed visas from South Sudanese who travel to Uganda.”

Recently, South Sudan joined the East African community which includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.