Uganda has reassured Kenya that it has no involvement in the country’s electoral process, amid allegations that some Ugandan nationals are being registered as voters in Kenya.
Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, said Kampala respects Kenya’s electoral sovereignty and does not interfere in the political processes of its neighbour.
Speaking to journalists at Kingdom House in Kampala, Kadaga said allegations involving individual Ugandans should not be used to cast suspicion on Ugandan citizens living, working or conducting business in Kenya.
“Let us state clearly that the Government of Uganda has no role in, and does not interfere with, the electoral processes of the Republic of Kenya,” Kadaga said.
Her remarks come against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny of cross-border movement and citizenship issues in East Africa, where the movement of people, businesses and capital across national borders has increasingly become intertwined with questions of national security and electoral integrity.
Kadaga said Uganda remains committed to respecting the sovereignty of neighbouring states while also protecting the rights and interests of Ugandans living across the region.
“Allegations against particular individuals must not be transformed into collective suspicion against Ugandans living or working in Kenya,” she said.
She also raised concerns over the treatment of Ugandan businesses in South Sudan, saying Kampala was monitoring complaints from traders who have faced restrictions while operating in the neighbouring country.
Kadaga acknowledged South Sudan’s right to regulate businesses within its territory but said enforcement of such regulations should be carried out fairly and in accordance with national laws and regional commitments.
“Such regulation should be exercised consistently, without discrimination, and in a manner that respects applicable domestic laws, bilateral commitments and the broader principles of the East African Community,” she said.
She urged Ugandan traders affected by restrictions in South Sudan to formally document their complaints, financial losses and disruptions to their businesses and submit the information through Uganda’s diplomatic missions.
The concerns reflect broader challenges facing the East African Community, where the free movement of people and goods has continued to encounter non-tariff barriers, licensing requirements, bureaucratic procedures and insecurity in some border areas.
Ugandan traders operating in neighbouring countries have previously reported difficulties ranging from administrative restrictions to attacks and destruction of property.
In April 2025, Parliament’s Committee on East African Community Affairs called for stronger regional mechanisms to address insecurity after Ugandan cross-border traders reported killings, destruction of property and other attacks in parts of the region, including South Sudan.
Kadaga said Uganda would continue raising such concerns through diplomatic and legal channels while seeking to preserve relations with its neighbours.
“Good neighbourliness must never mean silence where the safety, dignity and lawful economic interests of Ugandan citizens are threatened,” she said.
“Uganda will defend the legitimate interests of its citizens firmly, responsibly and through established diplomatic and legal channels.”
The minister’s comments underscore Kampala’s position that regional integration should be accompanied by respect for national sovereignty, equal treatment of citizens and businesses, and established diplomatic mechanisms for resolving disputes between East African states.
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