Jinja, Uganda – Uganda officially hosted the  14^th Session of the Uganda-Kenya Joint Border Commission (JBC), reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and improving management of their shared borders. The session opened on 26 November 2025 at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja, bringing together senior officials from border security, immigration, customs, trade, health, agriculture, and local governance.

Dr. Edith Namutebi, head of the Ugandan delegation, underscored the need for continuous engagement to enhance border operations and service delivery to cross-border communities. Mr. Emmanuel Walani, Undersecretary in the Office of the President and Chair of the 14th JBC, emphasised harmonising procedures, boosting security coordination, and improving communication with border populations. He expressed confidence that the meeting would yield practical, time-bound outcomes aligned with existing bilateral frameworks.

Kenya’s co-chair, Mr. Jacob Narengo, commended Uganda for hosting and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to cooperation in immigration management, infrastructure development, livestock movement, environmental conservation, and public health. He highlighted the importance of seamless mobility and efficient services for millions who depend on these border facilities.

Guest of Honour Hadji Yunus Kakande, Secretary in the Office of the President, praised ongoing collaboration between Uganda, Kenya, and regional stakeholders. He noted that at least six key resolutions have been jointly advanced to improve peace, stability, and border operations. He emphasised strengthening leadership, expanding migration management capacity, and building frameworks that benefit communities on both sides.

The session built on directives by Presidents Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and William Samoei Ruto following their July 2025 bilateral meeting, which called for improved border infrastructure, enhanced operations, and stronger people-to-people ties. Delegates acknowledged challenges including clearance delays and the need for harmonised standards and committed to reviewing progress since the last JBC in 2019. Both countries reaffirmed their dedication to cooperative border management, regional integration, and joint development.

The JBC continues with a focus on delivering actionable decisions to advance long-term bilateral cooperation.

(L-R) The Kenyan delegation, security operatives and members of the Uganda delegation stand in honour of the national anthems -MOFA Media Team (Fahad Mugga)