GENEVA, Switzerland, May 3, 2016/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
Japan is providing USD 1.8 million to IOM to help the Ugandan government to improve its border security through an integrated border management approach.
Uganda’s porous borders make it extremely challenging to counter transnational organized crime, including terrorism, trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. As a country fully engaged in regional integration, Uganda must also ensure the legitimate cross-border flow of people and goods.
Japanese Ambassador to Uganda Junzo Fujita said that the project will contribute to the security of all Ugandans by enhancing the country’s capacity to respond more effectively to various migration and border challenges. “We cannot allow transnational crime to take hold because of porous borders. Also, we must ensure that Uganda’s borders are contributing to enhanced trade, investment and tourism,” he said.
The project “Strengthening Border Security in Uganda” will improve infrastructure, equipment and border management information systems which will allow the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) to improve border control. DCIC will have access to more border patrol vehicles, as well as equipment to detect forged travel documents.
Four border crossing points on the DR Congo and Kenya borders will also be upgraded with IOM’s Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), which collects, processes and stores traveler information, including biometrics.
The initiative also aims to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, particularly with regards to immigration intelligence. An Immigration Training Academy will also be constructed which will allow DCIC to carry out specialized training of its staff.
