Leaders of the two countries reached a consensus after a two-day meeting in Kitgum Municipality.

Uganda and South Sudan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending long-standing border conflicts between the two countries.

The agreement reaffirms the commitment to ensuring security, peaceful coexistence, conflict prevention and promotion of economic development between the Ugandan border districts of Lamwo, Kitgum, Amuru, Kaabong and Karenga and the counties of Magwi, Budi and Ikwoto in South Sudan.

The MoU, which was signed last Wednesday, stems from long-standing conflicts in the regions in the form of border conflicts, civil wars, poaching, mistreatment of natives on both sides, smuggling, theft livestock and illegal possession of firearms.

“We discussed many issues related to collaboration, partnership, coordination and ensuring safe and peaceful movement of people along these borders. The heart of it all is the social and economic empowerment of the people in our communities,” said Mr. Akileo Mboya, Budi County Commissioner, who signed the agreement on behalf of his compatriots.

Mr William Komakech, Resident Commissioner of Lamwo District, said shortly after the signing of the agreement that it also sought to promote cross-border trade in compliance with East African protocols.

“What we have agreed on these documents is to improve peace between the two borders, the community living in South Sudan and the community living in Uganda,” he said.

The district security committees in the respective zones will oversee the implementation of the MoU.

Authorities reached consensus after a two-day meeting on cross-border security held in Kitgum Municipality with the support of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF).

The parties agreed to sensitize neighboring communities in South Sudan to end poaching, smuggling and the movement of illicit alcohol, which they named as the main cause of insecurity along the border.

Mr. Geoffrey Filbert Ocailap, Karenga District Resident Commissioner, reiterated: “Poaching is one of the things that brings us chaos between South Sudan and Uganda, poaching is causing the possession illegal weapons. »

He added: “There is a continuous movement of illegal firearms from South Sudan to Uganda. The movement and consumption of alcohol is also one of the reasons that created chaos among the youth.

Mr. Benedict Lokoro Nyemuget, Youth Chairman of Budi County in South Sudan, reported that 12 youths from his area were killed in July in the Lotuke area, neighboring Kidepo Valley National Park, in the district of Karenga.

“They were there in the name of hunting, but they were poaching from that side,” he said.

According to Mr. Lokoro, it is necessary to change mentalities regarding poaching.

Ms. Florence Amungo, representative of Palabek settlement, called on authorities to involve women in peace dialogues and organize a cultural and sports gala to foster peace between refugees and host communities.

Notably, the agreement will reduce illegal arrests at border points, ensure free and safe movement of goods, reduce corruption and extortion at border points, ban the movement of livestock at night, intensify patrols and security along the borders, will advocate for a facelift of security routes. , accelerate border demarcation and prohibit the illegal movement of firearms.

Signatories to the MoU included Kitgum DRC Jimmy Segawa Ebil, his counterparts Geoffrey Osborn Oceng (Amuru), Filbert Ocailap Geoffrey of Karenga, Stephen Odong Latek of Kaabong and Pole Pole Benjamin of Magwi County, South Sudan. Officials and representatives of communities from both countries attended this ceremony.

Past Meetings Uganda and South Sudan have worked together over the years to resolve cross-border issues that have hampered economic growth and sparked conflict.

Last year, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to provide security, prevent conflict and promote economic development of border communities.

In April 2024, government officials, trade representatives and stakeholders from both countries gathered at the Nimule border for an outreach mission to strengthen cross-border trade relations.