Uganda and Kenya have renewed efforts to streamline the management of their shared borders, convening the 14th Joint Border Commission (JBC) meeting on November 26 in Jinja. The session—held six years after the last one—zeroed in on improving border security, faster clearance processes, harmonised standards, and better services for the millions who rely on cross-border movement every year.

Uganda’s delegation was led by Dr. Edith Namutebi from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Kenya’s team was headed by Jacob Narengo from the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration. Officials from immigration, customs, health, trade, agriculture and local administration attended.

Opening the meeting, Dr. Namutebi said the two countries must maintain active engagement to resolve persistent operational bottlenecks at major border posts. Chairing the session, Emmanuel Walani from Uganda’s Office of the President underscored the need for harmonised procedures, stronger security coordination and better service delivery.

Narengo reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to joint action on border security, immigration management, transport infrastructure, livestock movement and environmental protection. Delegates on both sides stressed that reliable border operations are central to regional trade and livelihoods.

The meeting follows directives issued by Presidents Yoweri Museveni and William Ruto after their July 30, 2025 discussions, in which the two leaders called for improved border operations, upgraded infrastructure and stronger people-to-people exchanges.

Guest of Honour Yunus Kakande, Secretary in the Office of the President, noted progress in areas such as migration management, communication between border agencies, and the development of joint frameworks. He said both countries have advanced “at least six” key resolutions aimed at improving stability, service delivery and cross-border cooperation.

Officials acknowledged several ongoing challenges—slow clearance, inconsistent standards and limited inter-agency coordination—and agreed to review progress since the last JBC in 2019 to identify gaps and define time-bound solutions.

Uganda and Kenya reaffirmed their commitment to cooperative border management, regional integration and the strengthening of security, trade and community development along the shared boundary. JBC deliberations will continue in follow-up sessions aimed at producing implementable decisions