Uganda urges delineation of border with South Sudan --[Reported by Umva mag]

Amid rising tensions on the border with South Sudan, Uganda’s Defence and Home Affairs Committee calls for an expedited demarcation process to enhance security in Karamoja region.

The Uganda Defence and Home Affairs Committee on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, recommended the expedited demarcation process of the shared border with South Sudan to resolve border disputes that threaten security in the Karamoja region.

According to Honourable Linos Ngompek, the committee’s deputy chairperson and Kibanda North County MP, the unresolved border dispute between Uganda and South Sudan poses a serious threat to the security of the region.

“The committee’s findings underscore the urgent need to resolve territorial disputes with South Sudan,” Mr. Ngompek said while presenting his committee’s report.

The document also highlights the negative impact on the socio-economic well-being of local communities. According to the MPs, the lack of clear demarcation has exacerbated tensions, particularly due to the intrusion of South Sudanese armed forces into disputed areas.

“The government must expedite the joint demarcation of the border to preserve Uganda’s territorial integrity and reduce security threats,” Mr. Ngompek insisted.

Securing Karamoja

In addition to demarcation, the committee also recommended strengthening security infrastructure in the region. Proposed measures include the installation of a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) brigade in Kaabong and the construction of additional security roads.

These infrastructures are aimed at better monitoring cross-border movements and protecting local communities.

Furthermore, to address environmental challenges that exacerbate conflicts, the committee called on the government to ensure that pastoralist communities have access to water resources during periods of drought. To this end, funds should be allocated to de-silt the Morungole and Longoromit dams, two crucial water supply facilities, the elected officials suggested.

In order to promote lasting peace in the Karamoja region, the committee also called on the government to actively support local peace dialogues and establish vocational training programmes for the youth, particularly the Karachuna (young warriors). These initiatives are aimed at diverting the youth from criminal activities, including cattle rustling, which is a major source of instability in the region.

General Peter Elwelu, the UPDF’s representative in Parliament and former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, welcomed the committee’s recommendations while recalling the efforts already made to stabilise the region. He stressed that security in Karamoja is a “national priority” and that concrete actions are underway.

“Security in Karamoja is being strengthened and the problem of cattle rustling is being taken very seriously,” he assured.

The UPDF launched the “Usalama Kwa Wote” campaign in 2019, an initiative aimed at stabilising Karamoja through disarmament and recovery of stolen livestock. Between May 2023 and August 2024, the
UPDF’s 5th Infantry Brigade recovered “923 stolen cattle”, although “214 remain unaccounted for.”

The report also addresses issues related to wildlife and poaching in the border regions. The Uganda Wildlife
Authority was urged to take action against this problem and manage stray animals in the Kidepo Valley National Park, which pose a threat to local communities.

These stray animals have caused loss of life and property, adding to instability in rural areas.

ARD/Sf/te/fss/as/APA

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