Uganda to forward IGAD free movement protocol to Cabinet for ratification

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs First Secretary, Department of Regional Peace and Security, Mr Solomon Kasasira, has said that the draft Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) protocol on free movement of persons is set to be forwarded to Cabinet for ratification.

"At this stage, when we finish our REIA, the Regulatory Impact Assessment, prepare a document for cabinet for us to go into the ratification process, and deposit the instrument, among the things that we assess are the benefits of the country," he said.

He added: "Uganda is a landlocked country, so, among the benefits is that we have some member states who have access to the Red Sea like Djibouti. That is also another route that can help our traders access the Ethiopian market by importing through Djibouti. Thus we have access to a population of another 160 million people, when you include Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Djibouti."

Mr Kasasira made the remarks while addressing journalists at the closure of a five-day stakeholder technical workshop, which was aimed at updating the Migration Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA), towards Uganda's ratification of the IGAD protocol on free movement of persons in the IGAD region on Friday in Entebbe.

Mr Kasasira however, didn't give a clear timeline during which the protocol would be ratified to promote regional integration, expanded economic opportunities, and enhanced social development among member states.

"There is no timeline, that is decided by the cabinet. If there are not any other issues, normally the process takes less than three months. We hope to conclude, because by the time we signed almost all the paperwork was ready," he said.

He added: "Whatever was pending for Uganda, at the time of signing, had been concluded and all the consultations had been done. So, if there are no objections when it goes to cabinet, Uganda will be able to move on and have it ratified and deposited so that it can take effect, just along with other member states."

Mr Kasasira said the protocol will ease trader's movement and access to other member states' markets without necessarily having to use the longer route of going through Mombasa, Uganda and then heading north.

"The Red Sea route gives us access to those Middle East countries, Uganda is an agricultural country, exporting through those routes also makes it easier for our people, traders, and then also free movement. We have some traders based in Ethiopia, in Djibouti, we have some traders that bring containers and want to head to some markets in South Sudan," he said.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Chief Technical Advisor, Free Movement of Persons and Transhumance in the IGAD region, Mr Ephrem Getnet said the draft is a great step in ensuring Uganda ratifies the protocol.

"Even beyond the national consultation, we remain available to provide the required support and extend the expertise and the financial support to the government of Uganda as we step up towards the ratification of the protocol, we remain available to support you as you also proceed towards the implementation of the protocol," he said.

Mr Getnet said the organisation will continue to engage in the next steps of the process with IGAD and Uganda towards its ratification and implementation of the protocol by providing continued technical assistance, policy advice, capacity-building support, and evidence-based guidance to ensure that the implementation is aligned with international labour standards, human rights principles, and good practises within the region and around the world.

The IGAD migration expert in Uganda, Ms Agnes Igoye, said the robust evidence-based rear institutional roles, upcoming conclusion of the financial implications and a clear implementation plan, will be essential in informing government decision-making while ensuring that the ratification and implementation of the protocol are realistic, well-coordinated and adequately resourced.

"Effective implementation of the protocol has the potential to facilitate lawful and orderly mobility, expand opportunities for trade and investment, promote decent work, strengthen labour mobility governance and improve livelihoods across our region," she said.

She added: "Uganda's progress is therefore significant not only for its national development priorities, but also for the broader aspirations of eager regional integration. It's experience can offer valuable lessons to other member states pursuing ratification and implementation of the protocol."

Ms Igoye said the process of free movement agenda will ultimately be measured by its tangible benefits for citizens across member states.