Uganda, South Sudan leaders meet to address cross-border challenges

Kitgum, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda and South Sudan leaders have convened in Kitgum Municipality, Northern Uganda, to discuss mutual interests and challenges along their international border points.

The two-day meeting, which began on Tuesday, has attracted leaders from five districts in Northern Uganda: Karenga, Kitgum, Lamwo, Amuru, and Kabong. They are meeting with counterparts from Magwi, Budi, and Ikwotos counties of Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, to review the progress made since signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in early 2023.

Sisto Oyet Ocen, Lamwo District Chairperson, highlighted the significant positive changes brought about by the MOU, particularly noting a drastic decrease in livestock raids—a long-standing issue affecting communities along the South Sudan-Uganda border.

However, Ocen pointed out ongoing challenges, such as poor road conditions on routes like Ngomoromo to Magwi and Ikwoto to Musingo, which hinder cross-border initiatives. He emphasized the need to address infrastructure gaps to fully leverage the benefits of the Memorandum of Understanding.

William Komakech, the Lamwo Resident District Commissioner, noted that constant engagement between leaders from Uganda and South Sudan has led to a significant decrease in cross-border crimes. He acknowledged that while livestock raids have reduced, there were recent attempts to steal livestock, which were thwarted due to security presence.

This positive trend is mirrored in Magwi County, where Commissioner Benjamin Olum Pole Pole stated that no cross-border crimes have been recorded since the MOU was signed last year. He emphasized that the improved security situation has fostered social cohesion and boosted economic development.

Despite the progress, Olum raised concerns over uncoordinated patrols by the Uganda People Defense Forces (UPDF) inside South Sudan, a matter that remains unresolved.

Uganda and South Sudan have collaborated over the years to address cross-border issues that have hindered economic growth and sparked conflicts. The Kitgum Cross-border Review Meeting is part of a broader effort to enhance regional integration and cooperation between the two East African nations.

Jenifer Adong, Program Manager at Lutheran World Federation, explained that the MOU signed in 2023 aims to ensure safety, prevent conflict, and promote economic development among border communities. In April 2024, government officials, trade representatives, and stakeholders from both nations convened at the Nimule Border for a joint border sensitization mission aimed at strengthening cross-border trade relations and fostering regional integration.

The East African Community (EAC) has also played a key role in promoting regional cooperation. The EAC Secretariat has pledged to work jointly with Uganda and South Sudan to develop strategies to improve operations at the Elegu/Nimule border.

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