In a unified effort to tackle cross-border crime and improve security along their shared boundary, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have launched a coordinated initiative to address issues impacting their border communities. A two-day meeting, held at Hotel Le Tsuba in Arua City, Uganda, brought together a 30-member delegation from the DRC’s Aru territory and Ugandan officials from the West Nile, Arua, and Maracha districts.
The discussions, led by Aru Territorial Administrator Col. Richard Mbambi of DRC and Arua Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Kumakech Swaib of Uganda, focused on a range of cross-border issues including smuggling, vehicle theft, armed robbery, and tax disparities. The goal was to foster a safer environment for businesses and communities along the border.
RCC Kumakech underscored the economic and social impact of cross-border crime, noting how criminal activities have strained cooperation between the two regions. “Cross-border criminality has negatively impacted the harmonious working relations of the two entities,” he stated, stressing the importance of a joint approach to curb these activities.
Military leaders also highlighted the need for close collaboration. Speaking on behalf of Uganda’s 4th Infantry Division Commander, Lt. Col. Nathan Bainomugisha of the 409 Brigade emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing and vigilance to ensure the safety of both countries’ citizens. “What is important here is to strengthen coordination, collaboration, and intelligence sharing to enable the safety of our two peoples,” Bainomugisha said.
Gen. Taban Amin, who emphasized the historical ties between Uganda and the DRC, called for unity in combating crime, reminding participants of the cultural and social bonds that connect the two nations. “We are interlinked and interconnected. People committing crimes are our children who can be stopped if we are committed. Let the colonial borders not divide us,” he said.
In his address, Col. Mbambi praised Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Felix Tshisekedi of DRC for their Pan-African vision, which he said had inspired local solutions to security challenges. “It is through their relentless efforts of finding local solutions to local problems that have encouraged us to meet regularly,” he remarked.
The meeting concluded with a signed communiqué outlining resolutions to ensure dignified treatment of citizens at border controls, enhance security awareness among business owners, and mandate the registration of vehicles and motorcycles for better tracking. Traditional leaders from the Ochoo, Kakwa, and Lugbara chiefdoms joined the discussions, along with officials from revenue authorities, security, immigration, and customs, underscoring a united approach to restoring peace and security along the Uganda-DRC border.
