President Museveni, Kenyan envoy push for stronger border ties

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Uganda and Kenya have reaffirmed their commitment to closer cross-border collaboration following a meeting between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, at State House Entebbe.

Museveni and his guest on Monday, July 28, explored a wide range of bilateral concerns, including regional trade, pastoralist conflicts and shared border disputes. They both praised the enduring relationship between their countries, but acknowledged that recurring challenges still need attention.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in a meeting with the Kenya High Commissioner to Uganda His Excellency Joash Maang and his delegation at the State House Entebbe on 28th July 2025. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

Among the discussions was the issue of Migingo Island. President Museveni praised Kenya’s role in easing tensions and welcomed ongoing efforts to maintain harmony. “We are happy to preserve it for mutual benefit,” he said.

Ambassador Maangi said his delegation had visited the island and held constructive talks with local leaders.

“We took note of the issues, and we believe we resolved many of the outstanding concerns through dialogue,” he said.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni makes his remarks while meeting the Kenya High Commissioner to Uganda His Excellency Joash Maang at the State House Entebbe on 28th July 2025. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

The President also raised concerns about nomadic conflicts in the Karamoja–Sebei–Turkana region. He criticised unregulated migration, calling for a shift in livelihood models.

“We cannot continue with seasonal migrations that cause conflict. We are human beings, not wild animals,” Museveni said, proposing modern agriculture and permanent settlements as sustainable alternatives.

“This nomadism, I have always said, is a result of ancient backwardness. We must tame nature, not surrender to it,” he added.

To heal tensions arising from previous clashes, Museveni called for a cultural reconciliation ceremony involving both governments and traditional leaders.

The Kenya High Commissioner to Uganda His Excellency Joash Maang makes his remarks while meeting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the State House Entebbe on 28th July 2025. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

“In our cultures, we have ceremonies for blood settlement where someone is forgiven upon compensation. Since the individuals responsible may not afford it, the governments and traditional leaders should come together and organise such a ceremony in Moroto,” he said.

Maangi said sensitisation of communities on the Kenyan side was underway.

“Our people were not fully sensitised like the Ugandan communities, but we have started making progress. Slowly, the message is being understood,” he said.

He also cited recent inspections of one-stop border posts such as Busia and Suam, noting that Kenya had taken steps to address internal lapses.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in a group photo with the Kenya High Commissioner to Uganda His Excellency Joash Maang and his delegation at the State House Entebbe on 28th July 2025. (Photo by PPU/ Tony Rujuta)

“We discovered some laxity on our side and immediately engaged our officials. Uganda is our biggest trading partner, and we won’t allow any disruptions to that relationship,” he said.

Maangi concluded by conveying greetings from President William Ruto and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to stronger regional integration and cooperation.