Uganda and South Sudan have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at resolving long-standing border conflicts and promoting economic development. The pact seeks to ensure peace, prevent conflict, and enhance safety along the border regions, addressing issues such as poaching and the illegal movement of goods and firearms. The agreement stems from a recent two-day meeting in Kitgum, with local leaders emphasizing community empowerment and cross-border trade as key objectives.
Uganda and South Sudan have formalized their commitment to resolving border conflicts through a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU). This pact, finalized last Wednesday following a two-day security meeting held in Kitgum Municipality, aims to ensure peace, promote economic development, and foster safe coexistence among local communities residing along the border regions of both nations. The agreement is particularly focused on Ugandan districts, including Lamwo, Kitgum, Amuru, Kaabong, and Karenga, alongside South Sudan’s Magwi, Budi, and Ikwoto counties. The MoU addresses chronic issues that have historically plagued these border areas, such as boundary disputes, civil unrest, poaching activities, and the illicit movement of arms and goods. According to Mr. Akileo Mboya, the Budi County commissioner who signed the agreement, “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.” Additionally, the Lamwo district commissioner, Mr. William Komakech, emphasized that fostering cross-border trade in line with East African protocols is a primary goal of the agreement. He stated, “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.” The agreement also establishes structures for monitoring its implementation through district security committees in both nations. They plan to educate local communities on the dangers of illegal activities such as poaching, smuggling, and the consumption of illicit alcohol, which have been identified as significant contributors to insecurity in the region. Mr. Geoffrey Filbert Ocailap, the Karenga district commissioner, noted, “Poaching is one of the things bringing us chaos between South Sudan and Uganda; poaching is causing the possession of illegal guns.” The commitment extends to a range of collaborative efforts including curtailing unlawful arrests, facilitating the unaided movement of goods, combating corruption at border points, banning the nighttime movement of livestock, enhancing security patrols, and expediting the demarcation of border boundaries. Key participants in the signing included local district representatives and community stakeholders from both countries, under the observation of officials, demonstrating a unified approach to regional stability. Historically, Uganda and South Sudan have engaged in dialogue to mitigate cross-border tensions that hinder economic progress. This recent initiative represents a concerted effort towards reinforcing peaceful relations and mutual development among the communities along their shared border.
The long-standing border disputes between Uganda and South Sudan have resulted in notable socio-economic challenges, exacerbated by issues like poaching, illegal arms trade, and smuggling. Previous discussions between the two nations had also sought to resolve these issues, culminating in a memorandum of understanding signed last year aimed at promoting safety and economic cooperation among border communities. The challenges posed by external and internal conflict have necessitated sustained engagement between these neighboring countries, emphasizing the importance of collaborative security and economic initiatives to foster stability.
The signing of this memorandum of understanding between Uganda and South Sudan marks a progressive step towards resolving entrenched border conflicts through collaborative efforts focused on safety, economic cooperation, and community empowerment. By prioritizing peace and joint development, both nations aim to mitigate the societal and economic disruptions caused by border disputes and illegal activities. The commitment of local leaders, reflected in the MoU, showcases a hopeful outlook for improved relations and sustainable growth in the region.
Original Source: www.monitor.co.ug
