The Governments of Uganda and Kenya have today held the 14th Session of the Uganda–Kenya Joint Border Commission (JBC) at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja, reaffirming their commitment to stronger bilateral cooperation and better management of their shared borders.
Dr Edith Namutebi, Head of the Department of Regional Peace and Security in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led Uganda’s delegation. Kenya’s team was led by Jacob Narengo, Principal Administrative Secretary in the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration. The meeting brought together senior officials responsible for border security, immigration, customs, trade, infrastructure, health, agriculture, and local administration.
In her opening remarks, Dr Namutebi stressed the importance of regular engagement to ensure smooth border operations and better services for border communities.
Chairman of the 14th JBC meeting, Emmanuel Walani, Undersecretary in the Office of the President, called for harmonised procedures, stronger security coordination, better border services, and deeper engagement with communities. He expressed confidence that the session would deliver practical, time-bound solutions within existing bilateral frameworks.
Narengo thanked Uganda for hosting the session and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to deeper cooperation in border security, immigration, transport infrastructure, public health, livestock movement, environmental protection, and community relations. Delegates noted the need for seamless cross-border movement and efficient service delivery for the millions who depend on shared border points.
Guest of Honour Hadji Yunus Kakande, Secretary in the Office of the President, emphasised the value of continued cooperation among regional partners. He said both countries have already advanced several joint resolutions to support peace, stability, and better border operations.
He highlighted the need for stronger leadership, improved institutional capacity, and new operational areas, especially in migration and immigration management. He also pointed to progress in cross-border communication and the creation of frameworks that will benefit border communities.
He expressed confidence that the meeting’s deliberations would support long-term development, better public services, and shared prosperity. He called for efficient use of resources, continuous dialogue, and joint problem-solving, saying, “We move forward with passion and purpose.”
Delegates noted that the session follows directives by President Yoweri Museveni and President William Samoei Ruto during their meeting on July 30, 2025. These directives called for stronger border operations, better infrastructure, improved people-to-people exchanges, and enhanced trade and joint development initiatives.
Officials also acknowledged persistent challenges such as delays in clearance processes, harmonisation of standards, and weak coordination among agencies. They said the JBC would review progress since the last meeting in 2019, identify gaps, and agree on immediate actions to improve border governance.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to cooperative border management, regional integration, and improved security, trade, and community development along the shared boundary. The JBC deliberations will continue in the coming sessions to produce clear, implementable decisions that advance bilateral cooperation.