The Ugandan government has ordered a crackdown on its citizens living along the Kenya-Uganda border who cross into Kenya to participate in political activities, including voter registration. This move comes after concerns were raised over alleged voter importation ahead of Kenya's 2027 General Election. Uganda's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, stated that such actions violate Uganda's laws and sovereignty.
Kadaga emphasized that Uganda respects Kenya's sovereignty and expects Nairobi to extend the same respect to Uganda. She directed security agencies and local leaders along the border to prevent Ugandan citizens from crossing into Kenya to take part in political and electoral activities. Kadaga noted that it is not proper for Uganda's institutions to participate in another country's electoral process.
Ugandan authorities have identified several areas along the border that they suspect could be used to facilitate the movement of people into Kenya for electoral activities. These areas include Bukwo, Moroto, Tororo, Namayingo, and Buikwe. The directive aims to ensure that Ugandan citizens do not participate in Kenya's electoral process in violation of Ugandan law.
The move comes days after sections of Kenya's opposition raised concerns over alleged voter importation ahead of the 2027 General Election. This has sparked tensions between the two countries, with Uganda now taking steps to prevent its citizens from participating in Kenya's electoral process.
The directive also comes barely two weeks after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and other Kenya Kwanza leaders, including Kenya's High Commissioner to Uganda Ababu Namwamba, crossed into Uganda's Bukwo District. They campaigned for President William Ruto's re-election, which Ruto's allies maintained was aimed at engaging Kenyans living across the border.
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has been keen on maintaining good relations with neighboring countries. However, the current directive shows that Uganda is willing to take steps to protect its sovereignty and prevent interference in its internal affairs. The country's agencies along the border have been tasked with ensuring that its citizens do not participate in Kenya's electoral process.
The situation highlights the complexities of electoral politics in East Africa, where cross-border interactions can have significant implications. Key points to note include:
Key points
- Uganda has ordered a crackdown on its citizens crossing into Kenya for voter registration.
- The move aims to prevent Ugandan citizens from participating in Kenya's electoral process in violation of Ugandan law.
- The directive comes amid concerns over alleged voter importation ahead of Kenya's 2027 General Election.
