The Parliamentary Committee on East African Community (EAC) Affairs has recommended the formation and deployment of a professional joint force at the entry points of all partner states to help curb persistent border conflicts and insecurity in the region.
Presenting the Committee Report on the 2025/2026 Budget Framework Paper for the Ministry of EAC Affairs on Thursday, 10 April 2025, Committee Chairperson Hon. James Nsaba Buturo argued that despite the existence of EAC protocols on peace and security, partner states continue to experience civil unrest and unresolved border tensions.
“The protocol advocates for peace, security, and stability within the community and promotes good neighborliness.
However, there has been limited success, as evidenced by continued insecurity among member states,” said Hon. Buturo during a plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
Buturo pointed to ongoing political instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Somalia, which he said has significantly hindered economic development and regional integration.
Impact on Ugandan Traders
Buturo also highlighted the challenges faced by Ugandan cross-border traders, many of whom have suffered losses due to regional insecurity.
“Ugandan traders encounter constant hostility at border points and within member states. They are harassed, killed, and their businesses sabotaged—especially in Rwanda, DRC, and South Sudan,” he said.
To address these issues, the Committee proposed the establishment of joint border patrol teams along major transport routes to help curb smuggling, safeguard traders, and prevent targeted killings.
MPs Raise Border Demarcation, Sensitization Issues
Hon. Jallon Okullo (Lamwo County) recounted instances where South Sudanese nationals have encroached on Ugandan territory, disregarding established boundaries.
“When I took the Committee on EAC Affairs to my constituency, we found South Sudanese nationals hunting squirrels and antelopes with spears and guns. Some members were so frightened they returned to the vehicle,” he said.
Okullo called on the Ministry of EAC Affairs to erect clear signage marking international boundaries to reduce encroachment and enhance territorial awareness.
Meanwhile, Hon. Fredrick Angura (Tororo South County) urged the ministry to sensitise border authorities, saying their rigid and uncoordinated operations often hinder smooth cross-border movement for ordinary citizens.
Ministry Responds
Responding to the MPs’ concerns, the Minister of State for EAC Affairs, Hon. Ikuya Magode, acknowledged the challenges but noted that efforts are ongoing to harmonise border relations.
“Every state must exercise authority over its territory, and foreign nationals must comply with the rules of the host country,” said Magode.
Parliament, however, urged the ministry to step up efforts to popularise the EAC’s relevance, noting that many citizens still do not feel the benefits of regional integration.
