Uganda,DRC unite to combat cross-border crime and enhance security
Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have launched a coordinated initiative to tackle cross-border crime and reinforce security along their shared boundary.
A two-day cross-border meeting held at Hotel Le Tsuba in Arua City brought together a 30-member DRC delegation from Aru territory and Ugandan officials from West Nile, Arua, and Maracha Districts.
The meeting, aimed at enhancing cooperation, addressed issues plaguing the border region, including smuggling, vehicle theft, armed robberies, and tax disparities.
Led by Aru Territorial Administrator Col Richard Mbambi of DRC and Arua Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Kumakech Swaib of Uganda, delegates focused on building a safer environment for businesses and communities across the border.
RCC Kumakech emphasized the impact of cross-border criminality on the region’s economy and social harmony.
“Cross-border criminality has negatively impacted the harmonious working relations of the two entities,” he said, stressing the need for a joint approach to curb crime.
Military leaders also weighed in on the issue, with Lt Col Nathan Bainomugisha of Uganda’s 409 Brigade, speaking on behalf of the 4th Infantry Division Commander, calling for increased intelligence sharing and vigilance.
“What is important here is to strengthen coordination, collaboration, and intelligence sharing to enable the safety of our two peoples,” Bainomugisha stated.
Highlighting the historical ties between the two nations, Gen Taban Amin noted the social and cultural links that bind Uganda and DRC and urged unity in combating crime.
“We are interlinked and interconnected. People committing crimes are our children who can be stopped if we are committed. Let the colonial borders not divide us,” he remarked.
In his address, Col Mbambi praised Presidents Yoweri Museveni and Felix Tshisekedi for their Pan-African approach to local issues, saying, “It is through their relentless efforts of finding local solutions to local problems that have encouraged us to meet regularly.”
The meeting concluded with a signed communiqué, detailing resolutions to ensure dignified treatment for citizens at border controls and focus on local solutions for local security challenges
Other resolutions include rising security awareness among business owners and mandating vehicle and motorcycle registration for tracking purposes
The discussions included traditional leaders from the Ochoo, Kakwa, and Lugbara chiefdoms, along with officials from revenue authorities, regional security, immigration, and customs, signaling a comprehensive approach to restoring peace and security along the Uganda-DRC border.
