Uganda, Kenya Renew Commitment to Joint Border Security

Uganda and Kenya have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and improving the management of their shared borders during the 14th Session of the Uganda–Kenya Joint Border Commission (JBC), held on November 26 at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja.

The meeting brought together senior officials from both countries responsible for border security, immigration, customs, trade, transport, agriculture, health, infrastructure, and local administration.

Uganda’s delegation was led by Dr. Edith Namutebi, Head of the Department of Regional Peace and Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Kenyan delegation was headed by Mr. Jacob Narengo, Principal Administrative Secretary in Kenya’s State Department for Internal Security and National Administration.

Focus on Strengthened Collaboration

In her opening remarks, Dr. Namutebi emphasized the need for continuous engagement to ensure efficient border operations and improved service delivery to communities living along the shared frontier.

The chair of the meeting, Mr. Emmanuel Walani, Undersecretary in the Office of the President, underscored the importance of harmonized procedures, coordinated security operations, enhanced border services, and stronger interaction with cross-border communities. He expressed optimism that the session would produce “practical, time-bound solutions” to feed into existing bilateral frameworks.

Mr. Narengo thanked Uganda for hosting the meeting and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to working closely with Uganda on priority areas including border security, immigration management, transport infrastructure, public health, livestock movement, environmental management, and community relations. He noted that seamless cross-border movement is critical for the millions of people who rely on shared facilities for trade and livelihoods.

Kakande Applauds Key Advances

Guest of Honor Hadji Yunus Kakande, Secretary in the Office of the President, commended the ongoing collaboration between the two countries, noting that at least six major resolutions have been jointly advanced to promote peace, stability, and more efficient cross-border operations.

He highlighted progress made in strengthening leadership structures, enhancing institutional capacity, and expanding cooperation in migration and immigration management. Kakande further pointed to improved communication channels and the establishment of frameworks that benefit communities on both sides of the border.

“We move forward with passion and purpose,” he said, expressing confidence that the deliberations would support long-term development goals, better public services, and shared prosperity. He called for prudent use of resources, continued dialogue, and joint problem-solving.

Guest of Honor Hadji Yunus Kakande

Delegates noted that the JBC session follows directives issued by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and President William Samoei Ruto during their bilateral meeting on July 30, 2025. These directives emphasized improved border operations, upgraded infrastructure, stronger people-to-people exchanges, and enhanced trade and joint development initiatives.

Participants acknowledged the need to tackle ongoing challenges, including delays in clearance procedures, harmonization of standards, and improved coordination among relevant agencies. The meeting also reviewed progress made since the last JBC session in 2019, identifying gaps and outlining actionable measures to strengthen border governance.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to cooperative border management, regional integration, and enhanced security, trade, and community development along their shared boundary.

The JBC deliberations will continue in subsequent sessions with the aim of producing implementable decisions that advance Uganda–Kenya bilateral cooperation.