Yakani stressed that the lack of responsible service delivery from immigration officers highlights a pressing need for leadership intervention.

By Emmanuel Mandela

The President of the East African Civil Society Organizations Forum (EACSOF) and Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Mr. Edmund Yakani is calling for immediate action to address the troubling conditions faced by travelers at the South Sudan-Uganda borders.

In a statement extended to The City Review yesterday, Yakani urged President Salva Kiir of South Sudan and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda to direct their immigration authorities to prioritize human 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 said.

“The travelers, including elderly persons, children, and the sick, are forced to stand for over four hours in harsh weather conditions, waiting for immigration services. This failure to organize travelers undermines the spirit and purpose of integration within the East African Community (EAC).”

Yakani stressed that the lack of responsible service delivery from immigration officers highlights a pressing need for leadership intervention.

He called for immediate reforms to ensure that immigration services are delivered efficiently and humanely.

 “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.”

The activist highlighted widespread reports of bribery involving police officers at the border, which further erodes public trust and undermines the rule of law.

He warned that unchecked corruption within border enforcement could weaken the effectiveness of legal frameworks intended 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.

However, 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.”

Yakani’s call reflects broader frustrations about 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, the vulnerable groups and women, face myriads of challenges in their efforts to access border posts. Some of these challenges include Delays at the borders due to complex customs procedures as well as the presence of multiple border agencies compromise efficiency leading to low compliance levels and delays in clearance of goods; lack of access to information on trade rules and customs procedures; outdated infrastructure among others

“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,” Edmund Yakani, Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO).