Uganda and South Sudan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to resolve border conflicts and promote economic growth among border communities. The agreement, reached after a two-day meeting in Kitgum, aims to ensure safety, peaceful coexistence, and combat issues such as poaching and illegal firearms. District security committees will oversee its implementation.
Uganda and South Sudan have recently finalized a memorandum of understanding (MoU) designed to address and resolve long-standing border conflicts that have affected both nations. This pivotal agreement, signed last Wednesday following a two-day security meeting held in Kitgum Municipality, aims not only to establish safety and promote economic development among the border communities but also to encourage peaceful coexistence. The MoU specifically targets the border districts of Lamwo, Kitgum, Amuru, Kaabong, and Karenga in Uganda, alongside South Sudan’s Magwi, Budi, and Ikwoto counties. It emerges against a backdrop of historical tensions, including boundary disputes, civil unrest, poaching incidents, and the illegal movement of firearms, which have all contributed to insecurity in the region. Commissioner Akileo Mboya of Budi County emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “We discussed numerous issues that relate to collaborations, partnership, coordination, and ensuring safe and peaceful movement of the people along these frontiers. The core of all these is the social and economic empowerment of the people of our communities.” Additionally, Mr. William Komakech, the Lamwo resident district commissioner, highlighted that the agreement strives to enhance cross-border trade while aligning with East African protocols: “What we have agreed on these documents is all to improve peace between the two borders, the community living in South Sudan and the community living in Uganda.” Implementation of this MoU will be overseen by district security committees in the respective areas. The parties have also resolved to engage neighboring South Sudanese communities to discourage poaching and illicit smuggling, both identified as prevalent sources of insecurity. Commissioner Geoffrey Filbert Ocailap of Karenga underscored poaching as a critical issue, asserting, “Poaching is one of the things bringing us chaos between South Sudan and Uganda; poaching is causing the possession of illegal guns.” Calls for a cultural shift regarding poaching were echoed by youth leaders and representatives from both communities, emphasizing the need for community engagement, especially involving women. The MoU promises to address various challenges, including unlawful arrests at border points, enhance the movement of goods, combat corruption and extortion, and prohibit nighttime movement of livestock. It also aims to reinforce border patrols, improve security roads, and expedite the demarcation of borders. The signatories of this important document included officials from both Uganda and South Sudan, reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance peace and economic opportunities for border communities. Historical collaborations between the two nations have highlighted the economic potential hindered by conflicts, paving the way for this significant agreement. In summary, this MoU is a crucial step towards fostering peace, ensuring security, and promoting economic growth in the border regions of Uganda and South Sudan. Looking forward, with commitments to uphold the agreement, both nations are optimistic about a more stable and prosperous relationship that benefits their respective communities.
Long-standing tensions have manifested between Uganda and South Sudan, often rooted in territorial disputes, socio-economic inequalities, poaching, and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Past efforts have been made to engage the communities at the borders to collaboratively address these conflicts, but sustained peace has remained elusive. Recent efforts to foster cooperation have culminated in the signing of this memorandum of understanding, which seeks to address the root causes of insecurity and promote economic development.
The recently signed memorandum of understanding between Uganda and South Sudan serves as a major step towards resolving historical border conflicts and fostering sustainable peace. By focusing on safety, economic development, and community empowerment, both nations are poised to establish a more stable relationship, benefiting individuals on both sides of the border. Continued cooperation and engagement with local communities will be essential to uphold the progress intended by this agreement.
Original Source: www.monitor.co.ug
