By Paul Zaidi
Cross-border activities between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda at the Kasindi-Lubiriha (DRC) and Mpondwe (UGANDA) border posts continue to raise concerns related to unequal treatment between nationals of the two countries.
On the one hand, several observers note that Ugandan citizens engaged in socio-economic activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are generally well received, despite some instances of non-reciprocity observed during migration flows. Misunderstandings persist regarding the acquisition of immigration documents, with visa fees considered exorbitant.
On the other hand, Congolese people who regularly cross the border into Uganda for economic, religious, cultural or sporting reasons would benefit from relatively flexible and less expensive migration formalities.
“These two countries must demonstrate sincerity in the application of their laws, especially since they belong to the East African Community (EAC). The problem lies in the applicability of these laws. On the Ugandan side, freedom of movement is respected for Congolese citizens. But in the DRC, upon entry, Ugandans face heavier requirements,” explains Erick Djal-Kunga, a member of civil society in Kasindi-Lubiriha.
He illustrates this disparity with an example and continues: “A Ugandan driver has to pay up to 50 US dollars for a visa in the DRC, while a Congolese driver only pays around 20,000 Ugandan shillings (a little over 5 dollars) to enter Uganda. This difference is outrageous.”
Beyond the costs, other obstacles complicate cross-border coexistence. Some Ugandan nationals mention the language barrier, particularly the use of Lingala by some Congolese officials, as well as administrative and financial hassles.
On the Congolese side, complaints mainly concern the control conditions at Custom Mpondwe, especially in the absence of migration documents, as well as remarks deemed discriminatory, sometimes made in local Ugandan languages that are difficult for Congolese to understand.
For Kambale Kavingula Paxcaeli, territorial coordinator of the civil society organization Nouvel Espoir du Congo (SOCINE) in the Beni territory, the solution lies first and foremost in a change of mentality.
“Dismantling these inequalities requires recognizing the value of human life and applying equitable treatment in accordance with the commitments of these two states within the framework of the EAC.”
He also stressed the need for exemplary behavior on both sides. “We must be honest, fair, and role models. Border services needed to be reformed and the fight against corruption strengthened. This will foster better coexistence between these two peoples who share the same socio-cultural values.”
Beyond these critical analyses and orientations, public administration agents have a different interpretation of the facts.
“Here at the Congo-Ugandan border of Kasindi, we work on orders and in accordance with the instructions of our leaders and hierarchical superiors. To deconstruct inequalities, it is necessary that those subject to our services have the capacity to understand and adapt to the measures put in place to ensure proper functioning,” said, under anonymity, one of the senior agents of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DGDA) at the Kasindi border post.
Ultimately, faced with these challenges, many voices are calling for the strict and equitable application of the laws, in accordance with the regional commitments of the DRC and Uganda within the EAC. The stakes remain high: to establish a fairer, more humane border that fosters the development of cross-border trade.
