Edmund Yakani, President of the East African Civil Society Organizations Forum (EACSOF) and Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has called for immediate action to address the deplorable conditions faced by travelers at the South Sudan-Uganda borders.
In a statement issued yesterday, Yakani urged Presidents Salva Kiir of South Sudan and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda to instruct their immigration authorities to prioritize humane treatment and improve the organization of immigration services for cross-border travelers.
“The current experience of accessing immigration services at the South Sudan-Uganda borders is both disturbing and inhumane,” Yakani stated. “Travelers, including the elderly, children, and the sick, are forced to endure lengthy waits – often exceeding four hours – in harsh weather conditions. This failure to organize travelers effectively undermines the spirit of integration within the East African Community (EAC).”
Yakani emphasized that the lack of responsible service delivery from immigration officers underscores an urgent need for leadership intervention. He called for immediate reforms to ensure efficient and humane immigration services.
“We respectfully urge our leaders to act swiftly to mitigate the hardships faced by citizens and other travelers. This is a matter of human dignity and regional cooperation,” he added.
The activist highlighted widespread reports of bribery involving police officers at the border, which erodes public trust and undermines the rule of law. He warned that unchecked corruption within border enforcement could weaken the effectiveness of legal frameworks designed to facilitate free movement and trade.
“Bribery and extortion are rampant at our borders, compromising the very rule of law that the EAC stands for. This issue requires the immediate attention of both national and regional lawmakers,” Yakani lamented.
He revealed plans to escalate the matter to the East Africa Legislative Assembly, seeking timely legislative intervention. “We will appeal to lawmakers to ensure stronger governance and oversight of immigration services. Our citizens deserve better,” he stated.
Yakani’s call reflects broader frustrations regarding border management within the region, raising critical questions about the role of leadership in fostering a seamless and respectful cross-border experience in East Africa.
According to Tralac, vulnerable groups, including women, face numerous challenges in accessing border posts. These challenges include delays due to complex customs procedures and the presence of multiple border agencies, which compromise efficiency and lead to delays in clearing goods. Additionally, lack of access to information on trade rules and customs procedures, as well as outdated infrastructure, contribute to these difficulties.
