The Ministry of Internal Affairs is seeking Shs46 billion to enhance deployment at border control points and tackle soaring illicit activities, including trafficking and illegal migrations.
"Of the 72 gazetted borders, only 53 are operational, leaving 19 unmanned due to limited staff," said Dr. Stephen Okello, Commissioner NGO Bureau.
The ministry requires 1,286 staff across the board, but only 702 positions have been provided, highlighting a significant staffing gap.
Minister for Internal Affairs, Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, led officials to the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs to present the funding request.
Uganda has witnessed a troubling increase in human trafficking cases, with 1,068 incidents recorded in 2024, up from 1,006 in 2023. The country's porous borders are a persistent challenge, facilitating cross-border trafficking.