The fish traders, numbering more than 100, demanded answers on why their stock was being impounded at checkpoints in Elegu and Pakwach.
Information Nile Post has gleaned from both the traders and the local government suggests that the goods are being impounded over regulatory violations.
"Information that we have is that the fish is immature but how would our traders in Uganda know that the fish in transit is immature?" said Ronaldo Debo, the chairman of Chamber of Commerce, Arua City branch.
"They [the traders] don’t go there, they just send money to buy those bales of fish.
At least five trucks had been impounded at Elegu border post with South Sudan, and one at Pakwach checkpoint.
This left the traders in distress as they rely heavily on timely transportation and delivery of the foodstuff for livelihood.
The affected traders claim that impounding their stock has disrupted the supply chain, causing financial losses and jeopardizing their businesses.
Monica Ramlah, the chairperson of Arua fish mongers retail group and a local fish trader, expressed her concern over the customs action.
"This has a direct impact on our daily earnings," she told Nile Post.
"We have incurred a lot of money expecting to get children’s school fees. We are already facing economic challenges, and this situation only exacerbates our difficulties. We picked loans, PDM (Parish Development Model) money."
The city authorities, in response to the unrest, urged the traders to give them time to contact the relevant authorities to free the trucks.
Arua RCC Charles Ichgor took the stink by the nose and promised to tap every dial until the trucks are released.
"After here, I am going to engage my bosses in Kampala as I keep tabs on the situation in Pakwach and Elegu. These trucks must come because you have invested, and you are our entrepreneurs and taxpayers,” Ichgor said.
He also promised that the two governments of Uganda and South Sudan will work out ways to sensitize the masses on the sticky issue of immature fish and ensure compliance with existing regulations, particularly those related to fishing methods.
Authorities in Arua have appealed to the government of South Sudan to thoroughly inspect fish stock before traders commit their money in transactions.
Nile Post could not readily establish the quantity of the fish impounded but going by the number of the affected traders, it must be substantial enough to cause disruptions to the local government economy.
And, with the disruption in the supply chain, there are concerns about potential price hikes and shortages in the market - which could translate into a stink on the dining table.