MUK embarks on sh18bn project to curb borderland migration crises

PIC: From left, Prof. Edward Kirumira of Makerere University and Prof. Abdel Ghaffar M. Ahmed from University of Khartoum interact during a seminar at Makerere. (Credit: Hajarah Nalwadda)

CONFLICT

KAMPALA - In efforts to end the borderland conflicts in the East African Region, Makerere University together with support from Norwegian Government have embarked on a project to understand the real cause of the problem.

The five year project funded by Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) is to cost $5milion (about sh18bn) ending in 2019.

The study is led by four PhD students sponsored under the same project, and is done in four districts on various concepts.

They include; Busia (illegal cross border trade as Magendo), Kitgum (migration of refugees from South Sudan),  Karamoja (Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Bundibugyo on the Ugandan border with Congo on tracing Ebola.

Speaking at the Borderlands Dynamics in East Africa Gender seminar at Makerere University, the coordinator of the project, from the School of Social Sciences, Dr. Eria Olowo Onyango said they want to find the real cause of various problems along the borders for solutions.

He stressed that they want to present the findings Parliament to be discussed as policy makers.

"Many things are talked about but our borders have not been addressed yet so many things are happening which affect our people and economy. We think when we look at it in-depth, we can easily influence policy," he said.

Onyango noted that already findings show that FGM practice has almost increased in both Uganda and Kenyan side despite the law in place.

"One of the researchers found out that the Pokot  always cross to Uganda yet the Sabiny from cross to Kenyan side; when they want to do it. So they get away with it. The practice has almost increased by 94%, from 68% in both countries," he added.  

He said other 10 Masters students are also doing different studies on truck drivers, child trafficking and illegal cross border trade among others.

"We have also found out that women like in Busia, are the chief architects of cross border trade which is a new trend," he said.

Prof. Kirumira chats with Prof. Munzoul Assal from University of Khartoum during the seminar. (Credit: Hajarah Nalwadda)

Onyango said studies also show that many of the truck drivers are not Ugandans or Kenyans. "They are Somalis with wives all along the truck routes. We must check their health statuses and the impact they leave in these areas," he said.

He said all PhD students will be employed by Makerere University after the completion of their projects.

The Principal College if Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Edward Kirumira said East African region needs to address issues migration to protect their citizens.

He said the migration crisis of people from the interlard through the Mediterean sea remains a big problem that needs to be addressed.

"We need to work with all stakeholders to address these issues. Many of our people die along the sea. We need to have an evidence based discussion to come up with solutions with policy makers and other stakeholders," he noted.

Adding; "Many refer to these moves as economic migrations which is wrong. I believe that economic challenges are as a result of political conflicts leading to migrations. I think we need these studies to address these issues."

The project "Borderland Dynamics in East Africa", seeks build capacity development in research at the departments of Sociology and Anthropology at Makerere, Addis Ababa  and Khartoum universities. They also want to influence policy formulation to address border problems, and build up a network.

 The seminar was attended by Professors from the University of Addis-Ababa, University and Norway.

(Additional by Jill Akanshumbusha)

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