MBARARA, Uganda — Uganda and Rwanda pledged Wednesday to enhance cross-border security and ease trade flow following a meeting in Mbarara, according to a joint communique.
The discussions, the third in a series of cross-border security meetings, aimed to address longstanding challenges and foster closer cooperation between the two East African nations. The meeting stemmed from recommendations made at the 11th Joint Permanent Commission in Kigali in March 2023, with previous sessions held in Kabale, Uganda, and Nyagatare, Rwanda.
Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Robert Rusoke, the Ugandan high commissioner to Rwanda, and Ambassador Vincent Karega, Rwanda’s envoy to the Great Lakes Region, led their respective delegations.
The primary focus of the meeting centered on strengthening security cooperation and facilitating the movement of people and goods across the shared border. Officials assessed the current status of challenges in key sectors, including:
- Immigration: Streamlining border crossing procedures.
- Trade: Reducing barriers to commerce.
- Customs: Enhancing efficiency in customs operations.
- Health: Coordinating public health measures.
- Border Demarcation: Resolving boundary issues.
- Security: Addressing cross-border criminal activity.
The delegations also discussed the implementation of directives from the Northern Corridor Integration Projects 14th Heads of State Summit, acknowledging both the progress made and the potential challenges associated with the projects’ full operationalization.
Both sides commended the progress achieved in implementing recommendations from previous meetings and emphasized the importance of fully implementing the newly agreed-upon measures.
“The two countries welcomed the continuous efforts to provide a platform for fruitful dialogue and cooperation,” the communique stated.
At the meeting’s conclusion, Rusoke and Karega expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, highlighting the “continued spirit of good neighborliness.” They committed to regular follow-up meetings to ensure the agreed-upon actions are implemented.
The meeting underscores ongoing efforts to stabilize and strengthen relations between Uganda and Rwanda, with a focus on practical measures to improve conditions for citizens and businesses on both sides of the border.
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