There is a need for proper coordination of cross-border movement for pastoral communities living along the shared border of Kenya and Uganda to avoid frequent conflicts, according to Beatrice Askul, Cabinet Secretary for the East African Community, ASALs, and Regional Development.
The CS noted that the Turkana, Pokot, Sebei, and Karamoja communities, living along the Kenya-Uganda border, frequently fight for resources. Consequently, there is a necessity to harmonise cross-border movement and develop a joint programme for sustainable peace and development.
Askul made these remarks at the conclusion of a three-day consultative meeting with a high-level delegation from Kenya and Uganda, addressing issues affecting pastoral communities along the common border.
These discussions are a continuation of consultations that began in 2019 between the two nations regarding peace, security, and development and finding solutions to conflicts among border communities over scarce resources.
“The talks involve a high-level delegation from Kenya and Uganda focusing on a Memorandum of Understanding, which is actually a continuation of the MoU initiated back in 2019. The agreement aims to support the pastoralists in the border regions (Kenya) Turkana, Pokot, and (Uganda) Sebei and Karamoja,” said CS Moe.
The CS emphasised the necessity for a well-coordinated mechanism to ensure that communities can share common resources without conflict or escalation into full-scale feuds.
“Pastoralists along our common border frequently clash over the limited sources of water and pasture, we need to have a harmonized mechanism to enable these people to share the scarce resources and co-exist peacefully,” CS stressed
Askul also highlighted the importance of establishing adequate infrastructure, including schools, health facilities, and security surveillance along migratory routes, to support the pastoralists during their seasonal movements.
Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, underscored that security measures in Uganda will prioritise the protection of pastoralists during their stay. She emphasised the need for effective strategies to safeguard both lives and livestock in the border region through a structured and identifiable approach.
She added that the initiative is designed to foster cooperation between the two states, ensuring that the movement of pastoralists is safe and orderly while ultimately supporting both communities in achieving their shared development goals.
In a significant step toward enhancing peace and security, the State Parties reached a pivotal agreement focusing on controlling the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons. The agreement outlines comprehensive measures to eradicate illegal firearms within both nations and ensure the safety of communities living along the borders.
Key provisions of the agreement include strict firearm control, cross-border security coordination, the combating of transnational organised crime, safe movement of persons and livestock, conflict management mechanisms, capacity building and training, social services and education, infrastructural development, environmental sustainability, and community involvement.
