Uganda and South Sudan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to resolve border conflicts, enhance safety, and promote economic collaboration among affected communities. The agreement, reached following a two-day meeting in Kitgum Municipality, aims to address issues such as poaching and smuggling while facilitating cross-border trade. District security committees will oversee its implementation in collaboration with authorities from both countries.
In a significant move to resolve enduring disputes along their shared border, Uganda and South Sudan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering peace, safety, and economic collaboration among border communities. This pivotal agreement was formalized following a two-day meeting held in Kitgum Municipality, where leaders from the two nations reached a consensus regarding the modalities for promoting peaceful coexistence and preventing conflicts in border regions. The MoU outlines a commitment to protect the safety of residents in Uganda’s border districts—including Lamwo, Kitgum, Amuru, Kaabong, and Karenga—and South Sudan’s Magwi, Budi, and Ikwoto counties. It addresses various issues contributing to local unrest, such as boundary disputes, armed conflicts, poaching, smuggling, and illegal possession of firearms, which have historically plagued the region. According to Mr. Akileo Mboya, the commissioner of Budi County and one of the signatories of the pact, “We discussed numerous issues that relate to collaborations, partnership, coordination, and ensuring safe and peaceful movement of the people along these frontiers. The core of all these is the social and economic empowerment of the people of our communities.” Similarly, Mr. William Komakech, the Lamwo resident district commissioner, emphasized the agreement’s objective to enhance cross-border trade while maintaining peace, stating, “What we have agreed on these documents is all to improve peace between the two borders, the community living in South Sudan and the community living in Uganda.” District security committees will supervise the implementation of the MoU, which was facilitated by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). As part of the agreement, both parties plan to educate their respective communities about the harms of poaching, smuggling, and illegal alcohol trade, all of which have been identified as critical contributors to security challenges along the border. Mr. Geoffrey Filbert Ocailap, the Karenga resident district commissioner, articulated concerns regarding the security threats posed by poaching and illegal firearms, noting that these issues foster violence and instability in both nations. He mentioned, “Poaching is one of the things bringing us chaos between South Sudan and Uganda; poaching is causing the possession of illegal guns.” The MoU also aims to eliminate unlawful arrests at border crossings, facilitate the safe movement of goods, combat corruption and extortion at border points, restrict livestock movement during nighttime, enhance patrolling and security along the borders, advocate for improved security infrastructure, expedite border demarcation processes, and ban the illegal transfer of firearms. Signatories of the MoU included district leaders from Uganda and representatives from Magwi County in South Sudan, with the agreement witnessed by various officials and community stakeholders from both countries. This agreement comes on the heels of past cooperative efforts aimed at tackling cross-border issues that have impeded economic progress and sparked unnecessary conflicts Moving forward, both Uganda and South Sudan are committed to a path of cooperative governance and community empowerment to ensure lasting peace and prosperity in the border regions.
The longstanding border conflicts between Uganda and South Sudan have historically impacted economic growth and community stability. Issues such as poaching, smuggling, and civil unrest have complicated relations and hindered development efforts in border areas. Recognizing the urgency to address these challenges, both nations initiated collaborative discussions that culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. This MoU is designed to reinforce previous agreements and enhance cooperation towards establishing durable peace and economic vitality among border communities.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Uganda and South Sudan marks a pivotal step towards resolving longstanding border conflicts and establishing a framework for collaboration. By prioritizing safety, economic development, and community empowerment, the two nations aim to cultivate a peaceful coexistence that benefits residents on both sides of the border. The commitment to tackling critical issues such as poaching, smuggling, and illegal arms trafficking illustrates the seriousness of the agreement and its potential impact on regional stability and prosperity.
Original Source: www.monitor.co.ug
