Writer: Lodu William Odiya
Obongi Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus, Hassan Kaps Fungaroo, has called for stronger unity and cooperation among legislators in Uganda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The legislators said communities in the West Nile region share strong social, cultural, and economic ties with people across the borders and should work together to promote peace, development, and trade.
Speaking on the need for stronger regional cooperation, Hassan said communities such as the Lugbara, Alur, and Kakwa are spread across Uganda, South Sudan, and the DRC, making cross-border relations important for the people of the three countries.
“Congo people are our brothers, Lugbara the same, and Kakwa the same. You go to Koboko, and you find the Kakwa in Congo and Kakwa in South Sudan. Therefore, if you go down and further, you will find that the West Nile people are connected socially, culturally, and economically to the people of the neighbouring countries of South Sudan and DRC,” he said.
He underscored that Lugbara communities are found in Arua in Uganda and in areas of the DRC, while Alur communities live on both sides of the Uganda-DRC border and in South Sudan.
Similarly, the Kakwa community is found in Koboko in Uganda, as well as parts of the DRC and South Sudan.
“These are our brothers and sisters. We need to live well with them,” the legislator said, stressing the importance of maintaining peaceful relations among communities separated by international borders.
Hassan emphasised that they want to reach out to parliamentarians in South Sudan and the DRC to promote cooperation at the parliamentary level.
According to the legislator, closer engagement among lawmakers could help address shared challenges and create opportunities for joint advocacy on infrastructure, trade, and other development priorities.
“We would like to promote unity across the borders,” the legislator said, adding that lawmakers should work together to determine how they can move their people forward and advocate for development in Uganda, the DRC, and South Sudan.
Hassan further highlighted the importance of cross-border infrastructure to regional trade.
The legislator noted that traders moving goods between the three countries depend on roads and other infrastructure located within the jurisdiction of neighbouring countries.
He said parliamentarians on both sides of the borders have an important role to play in advocating for improved roads and other facilities that facilitate movement and commerce.
Particular concern was raised over the poor condition of the road linking Paquats, Nebbi, and Arua, which the caucus said affects communities and traders across the region.
The legislator also said the deteriorating road does not only affect Ugandans but also people from the DRC and South Sudan who rely on the route for trade and movement.
The West Nile Parliamentary Caucus called for greater attention to such shared infrastructure challenges, saying improved cross-border cooperation would benefit communities across the region.
The caucus said strengthening unity in diversity among the people of Uganda, South Sudan, and the DRC could contribute to peace, economic development and stronger regional relations.