Uganda has signaled its readiness to ratify the Niamey Convention, a continental framework aimed at transforming African borders into instruments of cooperation and development.
The announcement came during a consultative meeting held from December 2-3 at Fairway Hotel, Kampala, bringing together government officials, regional bodies, and development partners.
Adopted in 2014, the Niamey Convention provides African Union member states with legal mechanisms to resolve border disputes peacefully, strengthen cross-border governance, and promote socio-economic development.
Its key focus areas include border management, security, institutional strengthening, and fostering cultural and sports cooperation.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Abraham Pekelye, representing GIZ and the African Union Border Programme (AUBP), emphasized the organization’s long-standing support for border governance initiatives.
“Since 2008, GIZ has worked with the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, and Member States to enhance border governance across the continent,” he noted.
Ambassador John Leonard Mugerwa, representing Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the country’s treaty-making framework and the practical steps involved in ratifying international instruments.
He underscored Uganda’s commitment to aligning national laws with continental conventions while ensuring transparency and clear institutional responsibility.
Dr Edith Nsubuga, acting head of the regional peace and security department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained the strategic significance of the Niamey Convention.
She linked its objectives to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, noting that the Convention shifts the focus from merely demarcating borders to jointly managing them for regional integration, peace, and development.
On the second day of the meeting, Ms. Allen Bucyana from the Ministry of Justice detailed the legal and constitutional steps required for cabinet approval and eventual ratification of the Convention.
Ms Nelly Lodian from Kenya’s Office of the Attorney General shared insights from Kenya’s ratification process, offering practical lessons for Uganda.
The consultative process highlighted that effective border governance requires strong coordination among government ministries, regional bodies, and development partners.
Participants emphasized that borders should be viewed not as barriers but as bridges for peace, stability, and socio-economic cooperation, reinforcing Uganda’s commitment to advancing regional integration.