Uganda's first deputy prime minister, Rebecca Kadaga, has issued a directive targeting Ugandans crossing the border to participate in Kenya's voter registration exercise. Kadaga named eight border districts and instructed local leaders and security agencies to monitor and act against any citizens involved in Kenya's electoral activities. This move aims to prevent Ugandan citizens from interfering with Kenya's electoral process.
The directive came amid unverified media reports that Ugandans were crossing into Kenya ahead of the country's 2027 General Election. Kadaga described the conduct as a violation of the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in the democratic processes of neighbouring states. She emphasized that Uganda respects Kenya's sovereignty and expects the same in return.
Kadaga identified the eight districts along the Uganda-Kenya border that have been put on alert. These districts are Obuko, Moroto, Amodat, Namisindwa, Wijiri, Busia, Namengo, and Tororo. Local leaders and security agencies in these districts have been instructed to take coordinated action to prevent Ugandan citizens from crossing into Kenya to participate in the voter registration exercise.
The minister also addressed suggestions that some individuals may hold citizenship in both Uganda and Kenya simultaneously. Kadaga dismissed the claim as legally impossible under the East African Community framework. She stated that it is not possible for someone to be a citizen of both Uganda and Kenya at the same time, as East Africa does not allow dual citizenship.
Several political leaders from western Kenya have recently accused the Kenyan government of facilitating the importation of voters from Uganda to influence the outcome of the 2027 General Election. Although media reports underpinning these allegations remain unverified, Kadaga acknowledged that the government considered it necessary to respond and condemn the practice should it be occurring.
Kadaga emphasized that Uganda's government distances itself from reports that some of its citizens along the shared border had been crossing into Kenya to register as voters. She described this conduct as inconsistent with the principles of good governance and national sovereignty. The Ugandan government has ordered the arrest of its citizens found interfering with Kenya's electoral registration process.
The announcement carries particular significance given the upcoming 2027 General Election in Kenya. The Ugandan government's directive aims to prevent any potential interference in Kenya's electoral process and maintain good relations between the two countries. Key points to note are that Uganda has condemned the practice of its citizens interfering with Kenya's electoral registration process and has ordered their arrest.
Key points
- Uganda has ordered the arrest of its citizens found crossing into Kenya to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise.
- The directive was issued by Uganda's first deputy prime minister, Rebecca Kadaga, who named eight border districts and instructed local leaders and security agencies to monitor and act against any citizens involved.
- The move aims to prevent Ugandan citizens from interfering with Kenya's electoral process and maintain good relations between the two countries.
