The Committee on East African Community (EAC) Affairs has urged the establishment and deployment of a professional joint force at all border entry points across EAC member states to address recurring border conflicts.
Led by Hon. James Nsaba Buturo, the Committee emphasized that despite the presence of EAC protocols on peace and security, member states continue to face persistent civil unrest and border tensions.
“The Protocol calls for the promotion of peace, security, stability, and good neighborliness within the Community. Unfortunately, we’ve seen limited progress, as insecurity still plagues member states,” Hon. Buturo stated while presenting the Committee’s Report on the 2025/2026 Budget Framework Paper for the Ministry of East African Community Affairs. The report was presented during a plenary session chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on Thursday, 10 April 2025.
Hon. Buturo further noted that ongoing political instability and civil conflict—particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Somalia—continue to undermine economic development and regional integration efforts.
“In Uganda, cross-border traders have borne the brunt of these regional instabilities. Some have been killed, while others have lost valuable property,” he said.
He specifically cited incidents in Rwanda, DRC, and South Sudan where Ugandan traders have faced hostility, including persecution, sabotage of businesses, and violence. He argued that these challenges weaken the integration agenda and proposed the deployment of joint patrol teams along key trade routes to combat smuggling and violence against traders.
Hon. Jallon Okullo, MP for Lamwo County, echoed the concerns, sharing experiences from his constituency where South Sudanese nationals regularly cross into Uganda, ignoring border demarcations.
“During a visit with the EAC Affairs Committee, we encountered South Sudanese hunting squirrels and antelopes with spears and guns in Ugandan territory. Some committee members were so alarmed they returned to the vehicle,” he recounted.
He urged the Ministry to install visible signage demarcating state boundaries to avoid further encroachments.
Similarly, Hon. Fredrick Angura, MP for Tororo South County, appealed to the Ministry to conduct sensitization campaigns targeting border authorities, who he said often obstruct legitimate cross-border movement.
In response, the Minister of State for EAC Affairs, Hon. Ikuya Magode, stated that the Ministry is implementing programs aimed at harmonizing cross-border relations. He stressed the importance of each member state exercising full authority within its boundaries and ensuring that foreign nationals comply with the host state’s laws.
Parliament urged the Minister to step up efforts to raise public awareness about the importance and benefits of the East African Community, which MPs said remain underappreciated by the general public.
