Uganda, DRC join forces to combat cross-border crime
Leaders from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have pledged to tackle escalating cross-border crime that has threatened peace and economic prosperity in their border areas.
The commitment was forged during a two-day summit in Uganda’s Arua City, bringing together over 60 leaders from both countries, including security officials, politicians, and cultural representatives.
“Criminality at the borders was hindering business, hence loss of revenue,” noted the leaders in a joint statement, underscoring the impact on cross-border trade and regional economic growth.
The Aru Territorial Administrator, Col. Richard Mbambi, emphasized the importance of pan-African solidarity, remarking, “It is through relentless efforts of finding local solutions to local problems that have encouraged us to meet regularly.” Arua Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Salim Kumakech echoed this sentiment, calling for urgent action. “Cross-border criminality has negatively impacted the harmonious working relations of the two countries. We need to jointly carry out monitoring and surveillance at these border points so that businesses can thrive,” Kumakech said.
The leaders outlined specific types of criminal activities plaguing the border region, including vehicle theft, armed robberies, and illegal smuggling of gold, motorcycles, fuel, and timber. Existing data from Arua City police highlights the severity, showing at least 30 stolen cars from Uganda were recovered in the DRC in 2009 alone, with similar numbers in subsequent years.
Lt. Col. Nathan Bainomugisha, the 409 Brigade Commander for Uganda’s West Nile region, stressed the need for timely information-sharing between the two nations to effectively track and apprehend criminals. “Enhanced vigilance and swift joint sharing of information on criminals disturbing the two countries are crucial,” he said.
Gen. Taban Amin, Uganda’s Deputy Director General for Special Operations, added, “We are interlinked and interconnected. People committing crimes are our children who can be stopped if we are committed.”
The summit concluded with a communique outlining concrete steps to foster security and mutual respect. Both parties agreed on treating individuals at the border with dignity during checks and arrests, and on promoting local solutions to local security challenges. Leaders also committed to raising awareness among local business owners about safety measures to protect their livelihoods.
By strengthening surveillance, improving cooperation, and committing to shared cultural and economic goals, Uganda and the DRC aim to build a safer, more prosperous border region.
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