Arua |Hotel Le Tsuba in Arua City hosted a two-day cross-border meeting of Uganda and DRC soldiers.
The meeting was attended by a 30-member delegation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Aru territory, as well as representatives from Uganda’s bordering districts of Arua and Maracha.
The importance of strengthening collaboration in combating cross-border crime and improving business safety in both countries was widely discussed.
The officials, led by Aru Territorial Administrator Col Richard Mbambi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Arua Resident City Commissioner Kumakech Swaib, addressed critical issues affecting businesses and security.
They also discussed disparities in taxation, armed robberies, arbitrary arrests, smuggling, vehicle theft, border incursions, and unregistered motorcycles.
On security, both sides emphasized the importance of working together to deny criminal elements and rebels refuge, as well as effectively managing the porous border.
Arua RCC Kumakech emphasised the critical need to combat cross-border criminality affecting 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 4 Infantry Division Commander Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, urged increased 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 two nations’ historical ties, saying, “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 praised Presidents Yoweri Museveni and Felix Tshisekedi for their commitment 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 ended with a signed communiqué containing 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.
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