Uganda and Kenya have agreed to strengthen cross-border cooperation in a move aimed at mitigating disasters in Busia.
This was during a meeting that brought together officials from both countries to discuss shared challenges caused by climate change and urban disasters. The event was backed by UNDP with funding from South Korea, Luxembourg and Denmark. It featured high-level delegates, including Ambassador Eunice Kigenyi, Uganda's Deputy Head of Mission in Nairobi, and Joel Wamalwa, Chief Executive Officer of Kenya's Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency.
Uganda’s delegation included officials from the Uganda High Commission in Nairobi and ministries of Foreign Affairs, Works and Transport, Local Government, Water and Environment and Health. Leaders from Busia Municipality, such as the RDC, Member of Parliament, Mayor, Town Clerk and Speaker, also attended. Kenya was represented by officials from the Ministries of Water, Interior and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
Busia Municipality Town Clerk Fenard M. Katunda noted the growing risk of climate disasters, blaming rapid urbanisation, deforestation and wetland encroachment for worsening floods and damage to infrastructure.
He called for stronger cross-border policies to protect communities and the environment.
The meeting focused on concerns such as frequent flooding, environmental degradation, public health risks, economic disruptions, weak disaster preparedness and poor enforcement of environmental laws.
Busia Municipality Mayor Amin Sadik Agele urged joint action on flood management and climate adaptation, saying solutions should match the shared nature of the challenges.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Kisuyi Abdul Nasser recommended a regional action plan based on community participation.
Ambassador Kigenyi commended Kenya’s commitment, noting Uganda’s multi-sectoral approach, which includes ministries of Foreign Affairs, Local Government, Health, Environment and Transport.
She said previous efforts failed due to fragmentation and funding gaps but expressed optimism about the joint platform under UNDP.
Kenya’s delegation leader Wamalwa thanked Uganda for its hospitality and affirmed Kenya’s dedication to sustainable urban resilience.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Ian King acknowledged the support from Korea, Luxembourg and Denmark and said the project was informed by discussions with Uganda's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, John Mulimba.
Both sides agreed to develop a cross-border resilience strategy, align urban planning policies and seek financial and technical support for resilience projects. They also committed to making the forum an annual event for progress reviews and collaboration on climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.