The Parliamentary Committee on East African Community (EAC) Affairs has recommended the urgent creation and deployment of a professional joint security force at border entry points across all EAC partner states.
The proposal aims to address escalating cross-border conflicts, insecurity, and threats facing traders and local communities within the region.
During a plenary session April 10, 2025, chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Committee Chairperson James Nsaba Buturo presented the Committee’s Report on the 2025/2026 Budget Framework Paper for the Ministry of East African Community Affairs.
Buturo expressed concern that, despite existing EAC protocols promoting peace, security, and regional cooperation, tangible progress remains elusive. He cited ongoing instability and conflict in several member states, which continue to undermine the goals of integration and economic development.
“The Protocol emphasizes peace, security, stability, and good neighborliness within the Community. However, persistent insecurity across member states suggests limited implementation,” Buturo stated.
He specifically pointed to civil unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Somalia, which he said have significantly derailed regional trade and integration efforts.
In Uganda, Buturo lamented the plight of cross-border traders, who he said suffer frequent violence, persecution, and property loss, especially in interactions with authorities and groups in Rwanda, the DRC, and South Sudan.
“Ugandan traders face persistent hostility at borders and within member states. Some have been killed, others persecuted, and many have had their businesses sabotaged,” he said.
To address these threats, the Committee proposed the deployment of joint patrol teams along key trade corridors and border points to combat smuggling, violence, and harassment of traders. The team would operate under a unified regional mandate, bolstering peace and economic security across the EAC.
During the debate, Jallon Okullo (Lamwo County MP) shared a disturbing account from his constituency, where South Sudanese nationals were found crossing into Uganda armed with spears and guns to hunt wildlife.
“When I took the Committee on a field visit, we encountered South Sudanese nationals hunting squirrels and antelopes. Some MPs were so alarmed, they rushed back into the vehicle,” Okullo said.
He urged the Ministry to clearly demarcate national boundaries with visible signposts to help prevent future territorial disputes and encroachments.
Fredrick Angura (MP, Tororo South County) echoed the concern, calling on the Ministry to sensitize local border authorities, whom he accused of frustrating and obstructing legal cross-border movement for ordinary citizens.
In response, Minister of State for East African Community Affairs, Ikuya Magode, said the Ministry is actively engaged in programs to harmonize border relations and ensure mutual respect for territorial sovereignty among partner states.
“Each member state must exercise full authority over its territory, and foreign nationals must operate within the legal frameworks of the countries they enter,” Magode emphasized.
Parliament concluded by urging the Ministry to step up public awareness and engagement efforts to highlight the significance of the EAC. MPs noted that the East African Community remains underappreciated by the citizens it is meant to serve, and called for renewed efforts to popularize its mandate and achievements.
