The Ugandan government has directed security agencies to prevent its citizens living along the Kenya-Uganda border from crossing into Kenya to participate in political and electoral activities, including voter registration. Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, said such activities were contrary to the country’s laws and amounted to interference in another nation’s electoral process.
Speaking during a security briefing on Wednesday, Kadaga maintained that Uganda respects Kenya’s sovereignty and expects the Kenyan government to uphold the same principle. She called on security officials and local leaders in border communities to take immediate action to prevent Ugandan citizens from participating in Kenya’s political activities. Kadaga argued that citizens should not engage in another country’s electoral process in a manner that violates the law.
Uganda Identifies Border Areas Under Scrutiny
Kadaga said authorities had identified several areas along the Kenya-Uganda border that could be used to facilitate the movement of people into Kenya for political activities. The areas named include Bukwo, Moroto, Tororo, Namayingo and Buikwe. She instructed security agencies and local administrators to strengthen surveillance and ensure that Ugandan citizens do not cross into Kenya to participate in electoral activities contrary to Ugandan law.
Directive Follows Concerns Over 2027 Elections
The directive comes amid growing political debate in Kenya over preparations for the 2027 General Election. Sections of Kenya’s opposition have raised concerns over alleged attempts to bring in voters from neighbouring countries to influence the electoral process. The concerns have sparked debate over voter registration, citizenship and the integrity of the upcoming polls.
Kenyan Leaders’ Visit to Uganda Draws Attention
The development also follows a visit to Uganda by Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and other Kenya Kwanza leaders, including Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Ababu Namwamba. The leaders travelled to Uganda’s Bukwo District, where they campaigned for President William Ruto’s re-election. However, Ruto’s allies defended the visit, saying it was intended to engage Kenyans living across the border rather than interfere in Uganda’s internal political affairs.
Uganda’s latest directive signals its intention to prevent its citizens from participating in Kenya’s electoral process in violation of its laws. The issue is likely to remain a subject of discussion as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election and both countries seek to maintain respect for each other’s sovereignty.
