Uganda Advances Ratification of IGAD Free Movement Protocol

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Uganda is on the verge of submitting a finalized draft document concerning the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Protocol on Free Movement of Persons to the Cabinet. This significant step indicates Uganda’s progression towards ratifying the regional agreement.

The development follows a crucial five-day technical workshop held in Entebbe. During this workshop, government officials and various stakeholders collaborated to update Uganda’s Migration Regulatory Impact Assessment. This assessment is vital for informing the proposed ratification and understanding its potential consequences.

Once ratified and implemented, the protocol is poised to significantly enhance the ease of movement for people across IGAD member states. This is expected to bolster cross-border trade and investment, create broader economic opportunities, and deepen regional integration.

Uganda officially signed the protocol on May 14, 2024, alongside other member nations. The country is now navigating its internal legislative processes, with the Cabinet’s consideration being the next major hurdle. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the workshop, bringing together representatives from key ministries and departments, including Gender, Labour and Social Development, Internal Affairs (Immigration Department), the Office of the President, the Solicitor General, Interpol, and the Uganda Police Force.

Solomon Kasasira, an IGAD desk officer, explained that the assessment specifically examined the protocol’s potential advantages and implications for Uganda, noting that reservations previously held by the country were also addressed. The aim is to prepare a comprehensive document outlining the benefits for Uganda before it goes to Cabinet. Kasasira highlighted that the protocol could open up wider regional markets for Ugandan traders, especially for agricultural products, and provide alternative export routes beyond traditional corridors like the Port of Mombasa, potentially benefiting trade with countries like Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Djibouti.

Agnes Igoye, speaking on behalf of IGAD, commended Uganda’s commitment to reviewing the protocol through a dedicated technical team, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based decision-making for ratification. Ephrem Getnet, a chief technical advisor for free movement in the IGAD region, recognized the updated assessment and Cabinet memorandum as a significant milestone. He also noted that further consultations and ongoing technical support from IGAD and the International Labour Organization (ILO) would be available. The IGAD bloc comprises Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda. The protocol’s successful implementation hinges on continued engagement and planning among member states, with ratification being a key initial step.

Source: Nile Post