Uganda Launches Landmark Program to Transform Cross-Border Trade with DRC into Pathway for Peace and Growth

In a significant step towards fostering regional stability and economic prosperity, Uganda’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives today officially launched the Uganda-DRC Peaceful and Resilient Borderlands Programme. This ambitious initiative aims to leverage cross-border trade as a crucial pathway for peace and sustainable economic growth between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), despite ongoing conflicts in the region.

The program, backed by the EU Delegation in Uganda and implemented in partnership with TradeMark Africa and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), is designed to promote regional integration, empower small-scale traders, and ensure the free movement of people and goods. This concerted effort seeks to transform the challenges posed by insecurity into opportunities for mutual benefit.

Minister of Trade, Francis Mwebesa, underscored the strategic importance of the program, stating, “Regional integration is the backbone of economic transformation.” He emphasised the critical need for infrastructure development and the empowerment of women, who are identified as key agents in fostering safe and legal border trade. Minister Mwebesa also called for sustained investment in robust border management systems and collaborative policies to ensure the long-term viability of the initiative.

Anna Nambooze, Country Director for TradeMark Africa, highlighted the immense market potential within the region, encompassing over 300 million people. She reaffirmed TradeMark Africa’s commitment to building peace resilience and directly supporting grassroots traders, recognising their vital role in the cross-border economy.

Speaking on behalf of the EU Delegation, a representative stressed the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Great Lakes region, where 6.9 million people remain displaced. The program, they noted, is crucial for tackling illegal trade, enhancing human security, and promoting social inclusion across the borderlands.

The launch follows a similar program initiation in the DRC on June 15, signifying a coordinated effort between the two nations. Sanusi Tejan Savage, Chief of Mission for IOM in Uganda, reiterated the organisation’s dedication to safeguarding the movement of people across borders, a key aspect of the newly launched program.

During a panel discussion, the importance of public-private partnerships and stronger cross-border community support was emphasised. The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) notably highlighted the significant revenue losses incurred due to illicit trade, underscoring the potential economic benefits of a more formalised and regulated cross-border environment.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Lynette Bagonza, affirmed that the program directly aligns with the ministry’s core strategic goals: eliminating non-tariff barriers, diversifying exports, building institutional capacity, and promoting value addition.

Stakeholders at the launch called for collaborative efforts involving DRC officials, the implementation of fair visa policies, and multilingual engagement to ensure that all small traders, particularly women, are included and benefit from the program.

The successful implementation of the Uganda-DRC Peaceful and Resilient Borderlands Programme is expected to bring about tangible improvements in border infrastructure and foster an enabling environment for legitimate cross-border trade. While the ongoing conflict has undeniably impacted trade between Uganda and the DRC, with the DRC being one of Uganda’s largest regional export markets, this new program signals a proactive and collaborative approach to transforming these challenges into avenues for peace and shared prosperity.