MOROTO (Uganda), Feb 22 (NNN-KBC) — Heads of delegations from Kenya and Uganda have resolved that the disarmament that is ongoing in Kenya will require cooperation and coordination with the Uganda government in order to curtail herdsmen from crossing over to Uganda with illegal small arms and light weapons.
In a joint high-level security mission held in Moroto, Uganda, the two nations acknowledged that the Karamoja and Turkana communities along the border of the two countries are faced with numerous challenges including insecurity attributed to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, limited economic and livelihood opportunities, impacts of climate change occasioning prolonged cyclical draughts and famine and limited infrastructure in the region
In addition, it was also decided that both governments will facilitate the recovery and handover of stolen livestock by deploying adequate security forces on strategic points along the border points, taking into account specific raiding routes and known hide-outs for bandits.
On the nine Kenyan herders arrested in Uganda, the leaders appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to graciously exercise his prerogative power of mercy and grant pardon to them.
In turn, the Kenya Government made a commitment to collaborate with the Uganda Government in carrying out thorough investigations on the killings of the Uganda nationals by suspected Kenyan herders and ensuring the criminals who were involved in the killing of the geologists are arrested and prosecuted.
On sustainable peace and security in the region, the two states, the county governments in Kenya (Turkana and West Pokot) and the district administration in Karamoja resolved to allocate resources to cater for the provision of health, education and water services.
The mission noted that there is an urgent need to build and equip health facilities, schools and water points along the border areas to cater for herders in the region.
In addition, it was also decided that the two states and county governments should build and improve road networks, and establish immigration and customs border points at Lokiriama, Nawountos, Nakitong’o and other strategic places along the boarders to enhance cross-border trade.
Further, the mission resolved to review the Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries that was signed on Sept 12, 2019, align it to emerging issues and immediately operationalize it for the attainment of sustainable peace and development in the region.
The Ministry of East Africa Cooperation and ASAL (Kenya) and the Minister for East African Community Affairs and the Minister for Karamoja Affairs (Uganda) are to immediately nominate members to the Joint Technical Steering Committee to spearhead efforts for resource mobilization and the implementation of the MOU in accordance with Art. 4 of the MOU.
Finally, the Kenya Government will consider mechanisms to strengthen the military liaison office in Karamoja by extending the year of stay while the County government of Turkana will consider establishing a Civilian Liaison Office in Karamoja as a bridge between security and civil administration in resolving day-to-day issues affecting Turkana herders in Karamoja. — NNN-KBC
