A two-day cross-border meeting held from 7 to 8 November 2024 at Hotel Le Tsuba in Arua City brought together a 30-member delegation from the Aru territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and representatives from Uganda’s three bordering districts: Arua, Arua city, and Maracha.

The event aimed to strengthen collaboration in tackling cross-border crimes and enhancing safety for businesses in both nations.

Led by Aru Territorial Administrator Col Richard Mbambi (DRC) and Arua Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Mr Kumakech Swaib (Uganda), the delegates addressed critical challenges affecting business operations and security, including disparities in tax regimes, armed robberies, arbitrary arrests, smuggling, vehicle thefts, border incursions, and unregistered motorcycles.

On the subject of security, both sides underscored the importance of joint action to deny refuge to criminal elements and rebels, and to manage the porous border effectively.

Arua RCC Mr Kumakech Swaib highlighted the pressing need to curb cross-border criminality impacting businesses. “Cross-border criminality has negatively impacted on the harmonious working relations of the two entities,” he stated.

Lt Col Nathan Bainomugisha, 409 Brigade Commander representing the 4 Infantry Division Commander Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, called for greater vigilance and information sharing to combat criminal activity. “What is important here is to strengthen coordination, collaboration, and intelligence sharing to enable the safety of our two peoples,” said Col Bainomugisha.

Gen Taban Amin spoke about the historical ties between the two nations, remarking, “We are interlinked and interconnected. People committing crimes are our children who can be stopped if we are committed. Let the colonial borders not divide us.”

Col Richard Mbambi commended Presidents Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and Felix Tshisekedi (DRC) for their dedication to Pan-Africanism. “It is through their relentless efforts of finding local solutions to local problems that have encouraged us to meet regularly,” he said.

The meeting concluded with a signed communiqué that included resolutions to:

Treat citizens with dignity and respect at border controls
Prioritise local solutions for local security challenges
Raise awareness among business owners about safety and security measures
Ensure the registration of all vehicles and motorcycles to aid in tracking criminals

The attendees also included traditional leaders from the Ochoo, Kakwa, and Lugbara chiefdoms, business representatives, executive commissioners from revenue authorities, regional security officers, and officials from immigration and customs in both countries.