By Jumah Kakomo
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, has dismissed allegations that the Ugandan government is facilitating the registration of Ugandans to vote in Kenya.
Ms Kadaga said Uganda does not interfere in the electoral affairs of other sovereign states, adding that the responsibility for determining voter eligibility, registering voters and safeguarding the integrity of Kenya’s elections rests with Kenyan authorities and institutions.
“Uganda respects the sovereignty of Kenya and we also expect respect for our sovereignty and the democratic processes going on in each country,” Ms Kadaga said.
She directed security agencies and local leaders in districts along the Uganda-Kenya border to closely monitor the situation and prevent Ugandan citizens from unlawfully crossing into Kenya to participate in political or electoral activities.
The districts named include Bukwo, Moroto, Amudat, Namisindwa, Busia, Namayingo and Tororo.
Ms Kadaga said security agencies should act professionally, proportionately and within the law, while recognising the long-standing family, cultural and commercial ties between communities on either side of the border.
She cautioned that such ties should not be used to facilitate interference in Kenya’s electoral processes.
South Sudan businesses
Meanwhile, Ms Kadaga has appealed to the South Sudan government to address concerns over restrictions reportedly affecting some Ugandan-owned businesses operating in the country.
She said Ugandan businesses in South Sudan contribute to employment, commerce, revenue generation and regional economic integration, and called for lawful investments to be protected.
Ms Kadaga acknowledged South Sudan’s right to regulate businesses operating within its territory, but said such regulations should be applied fairly and without discrimination, in line with bilateral and regional commitments under the East African Community.
She advised Ugandan traders whose businesses have been closed, restricted or otherwise affected to document the circumstances and report them to the relevant Ugandan authorities for verification and possible government intervention.
The minister said Uganda remains committed to peaceful coexistence, regional integration and mutual respect among East African Community partner states.
She called on institutions on both sides of the borders to investigate the concerns objectively, communicate responsibly and avoid inflammatory political language.
Ms Kadaga said regional challenges should be addressed through evidence, dialogue, cooperation and respect for the law rather than threats, speculation or collective blame.
