Uganda and DRC agree on border reaffirmation, strengthening security and economic growth

Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have taken another step toward stabilizing relations and bolstering economic opportunities through a reaffirmation of their shared border.

A Joint Technical Committee (JTC) meeting was held from September 2nd to 6th in Goma to discuss the detailed process for reaffirming 817 kilometers of the Uganda-DRC border.

The meeting, organised by both governments, was hailed as a success, thanks to the coordination efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda.

A key achievement of the meeting was the development of a roadmap and budget for the border reaffirmation, a process that is critical to maintaining peaceful relations.

Margaret Awino Kafeero, Head of Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored the significance of this effort.

"Reaffirming our borders with the DRC is not only about territorial integrity but also about fostering peace, security, and mutual economic benefit for both nations,"she noted.

To date, only 44.8 kilometers of the border have been reaffirmed, including the 28-kilometer stretch from Offo/Vura and the 16.8-kilometer segment from Sarambwe/Bwindi.

While these efforts have advanced, much of the work remains ahead. Kafeero emphasized that the technical aspects of the reaffirmation will help avoid future disputes:

"Clarifying that the Uganda Investment Authority pillars are not boundary markers is vital in preventing potential conflicts. This underscores the importance of technical expertise in border management,"she said.

The reaffirmation project is expected to cost USD 3.14 million, with the expenses shared between Uganda and the DRC.

Beyond border security, the meeting also explored opportunities for trade expansion in the Goma region, where Ugandan businesses have started thriving.

However, ongoing security issues continue to complicate trade routes for many Ugandan traders. Despite these challenges, Kafeero remains optimistic:

"Our commitment to improving security and supporting Ugandan businesses will help ensure that traders can capitalize on the growing demand in the DRC’s Kivu region."

The reaffirmation exercise is set to begin in May 2025, with follow-up meetings scheduled in Kampala.

Both governments have agreed to allocate the necessary resources and military cooperation to ensure a smooth process that strengthens regional stability