Uganda and Kenya have reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration on border management, trade, security, and community development during the 14th session of the Uganda–Kenya Joint Border Commission (JBC) in Jinja.
The meeting, which brought together senior officials from both countries overseeing immigration, customs, trade, infrastructure, health, agriculture, and local administration, focused on practical measures to improve cross-border operations and service delivery for millions of people who rely on shared border facilities.
Dr Edith Namutebi, head of Uganda’s Department of Regional Peace and Security, emphasized the importance of sustained engagement to ensure efficient border operations.
Mr Emmanuel Walani, Undersecretary at the Office of the President and Chairman of the session, highlighted the need for harmonized procedures, enhanced security coordination, and stronger engagement with border communities.
Kenya’s delegation, led by Principal Administrative Secretary Jacob Narengo, expressed appreciation for Uganda’s hosting of the session and reiterated Kenya’s commitment to cooperation in areas including transport infrastructure, public health, livestock movement, environmental management, and migration management.
Both sides stressed the importance of seamless cross-border movement and efficient services for border communities.
The Guest of Honor, Hadji Yunus Kakande, Secretary at the Office of the President, highlighted six key resolutions advanced by the two governments to support peace, stability, and improved border operations.
He noted progress in cross-border communication, the establishment of frameworks benefiting border communities, and the need to strengthen leadership and organizational capacity in migration and immigration management.
Delegates also reviewed challenges affecting border efficiency, such as delays in clearance processes and the need for harmonized standards, building on directives issued by Presidents Kaguta Museveni of Uganda and William Samoei Ruto of Kenya during their July 30, 2025 meeting.
The session aimed to identify gaps and agree on actionable measures to improve border governance.
Both countries reiterated their commitment to cooperative border management, regional integration, and the promotion of trade, security, and community development along their shared boundary.
Future JBC sessions will continue to focus on implementing practical solutions to strengthen bilateral cooperation.