A two-day cross-border meeting, held from November 7 to 8, 2024, at Hotel Le Tsuba in Arua City, convened a 30-member delegation from the Aru territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and representatives from Uganda’s three neighboring districts: Arua, Arua City, and Maracha.
The event aimed to strengthen cooperation in addressing cross-border crimes and enhancing business security for both nations.
Led by Aru Territorial Administrator Col. Richard Mbambi (DRC) and Arua Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Mr. Kumakech Swaib (Uganda), the participants discussed significant challenges impacting business activities and security, such as differences in tax structures, armed theft, arbitrary detentions, smuggling, vehicle thefts, border intrusions, and unregistered motorcycles.
Concerning security, both parties emphasized the need for joint action to deny safe havens to criminal groups and rebels, and to better manage the porous border.
Arua RCC Mr. Kumakech Swaib highlighted the urgent necessity to curb cross-border crime affecting businesses. “Cross-border crime has adversely affected the cooperative working relations between the two communities,” he noted.
Lt. Col. Nathan Bainomugisha, 409 Brigade Commander representing the 4 Infantry Division Commander Brig. Gen. Felix Busizoori, called for increased vigilance and information sharing to counteract criminal activities. “The key issue here is to enhance coordination, cooperation, and intelligence sharing to ensure the safety of our people,” stated Col. Bainomugisha.
Gen. Taban Amin reflected on the historical connections between the two nations, stating, “We are interconnected and interwoven. The individuals committing crimes are our own people who can be stopped if we remain dedicated. Let colonial borders not separate us.”
Col. Richard Mbambi praised Presidents Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and Felix Tshisekedi (DRC) for their commitment to Pan-Africanism. “It is through their tireless efforts to find local solutions to local challenges that have encouraged us to meet regularly,” he expressed.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a communiqué that included resolutions to:
- Treat citizens with dignity and respect at border points
- Prioritize local solutions for local security issues
- Educate business owners about safety and security practices
- Ensure registration of all vehicles and motorcycles for tracking purposes
The attendees also included traditional leaders from the Ochoo, Kakwa, and Lugbara chiefdoms, business community representatives, senior revenue authority officials, regional security personnel, and immigration and customs officers from both countries.
