Kampala, Uganda – A consultative meeting on the ratification of the Niamey Convention took place at Fairway Hotel, Kampala, from 2-3 December 2025, bringing together key stakeholders from government ministries, regional bodies, and development partners to advance Uganda’s commitment to improved border governance and cross-border cooperation.

 Mr. Abraham Pekelye, the GIZ representative for its Support to the African Union Border Programme (AUBP), reflected on GIZ’s long-standing support to border governance initiatives.  “Since 2008, GIZ support to the African Union Border Programme has focused on working closely with the African Union, the Regional Economic Communities, and Member States to enhance border governance across the continent,” he said.

He further highlighted that the sensitisation and consultation workshops on the AUBP Strategy, held in October 2023 for EAC Member States and in May 2024 for IGAD Member States, both in Uganda, demonstrated a strong regional commitment to integration and frameworks that nurture cooperation. 

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs(MoFA), Ambassador Leonard Mugerwa emphasised the importance of cross-border cooperation and Uganda’s readiness to move toward ratification and alignment with continental border governance frameworks. 

In her presentation, Dr. Edith Nsubuga, acting head of regional peace and security at MoFA, explained in depth Uganda’s border evolution, border dynamics, and the potential of borders as bridges for cooperation and development. She highlighted the linkage between the Niamey Convention, the AU’s Agenda 2063 (The Africa We Want), and Uganda’s National Development Plan IV (NDP IV). She also emphasised the Convention’s alignment with Uganda’s foreign policy and its contribution to regional peace and security.

Adopted in 2014, the Niamey Convention seeks to transform African borders from historical barriers into avenues of cooperation and development by establishing a legal framework for AU member states to resolve border issues peacefully, promote socio-economic growth, and foster cross-border collaboration. 

Abraham Pekelye (L), Dr.Edith Nsubuga ( C), and Fred Enanga (R) deliver their remarks during the meeting