KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda has ordered the arrest of citizens crossing into Kenya to engage in political or electoral activities following allegations that some Ugandans were acquiring Kenyan identification documents and registering as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga directed authorities in districts bordering Kenya to prevent Ugandan citizens from crossing into the neighbouring country for political or electoral activities.
Speaking during a media briefing on Uganda’s security situation on Wednesday, October 7, Kadaga ordered authorities in Bukwa, Moroto, Amudat, Namisindwa, Busia, Tororo, Namayingo and Buikwe to closely monitor movements across the border.
“We should ensure that Ugandan citizens within those boundaries are not crossing to Kenya or otherwise involving themselves in political or electoral activities,” Kadaga said.
She said Ugandan state agencies and local leaders should coordinate efforts to monitor the border and prevent citizens from participating in electoral activities in Kenya.
Uganda Cites Sovereignty Concerns
Kadaga, who also serves as Uganda’s Minister of the East African Community (EAC), said Uganda respects Kenya’s sovereignty and expects Nairobi to uphold Uganda’s sovereignty and democratic processes.
“As a country, we respect the sovereignty of Kenya, and we also expect them to respect our sovereignty and the democratic processes going on in each country,” she said.
Kadaga said Ugandan institutions should not participate in another country’s electoral affairs, distancing the government from allegations surrounding the registration of Ugandan citizens as Kenyan voters.
She also addressed the issue of dual citizenship, saying Ugandans cannot simultaneously maintain allegiance to Uganda and Kenya under the arrangements cited by the government.
“You cannot vote both in Kenya and Uganda. So either you relinquish one and take another. You cannot be both. You cannot have allegiance to two countries,” Kadaga said.
Order Follows KTN Exposé
Kadaga’s remarks followed a KTN News investigation aired in late September that alleged some Ugandan nationals were acquiring Kenyan identification documents and registering as voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
The investigation focused on the Suam border area, where allegations emerged that voter registration materials were being moved across the Kenya-Uganda border.
The report also alleged that a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer intercepted a vehicle carrying election-related materials on April 18 and was subsequently transferred to Nairobi.
However, the DCI rejected the allegations, saying its officers did not intercept the vehicle, question its occupants or seize election materials.
The agency also denied that an officer was transferred to Nairobi over the incident.
IEBC Denies Illegal Voter Registration Claims
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has also dismissed allegations of illegal voter registration and voter transfers involving foreign nationals.
The electoral agency further rejected claims that foreign nationals had been registered as Kenyan voters or that data belonging to deceased voters was being used in preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Uganda’s latest directive places renewed focus on movements along the Kenya-Uganda border as both countries prepare for their respective electoral processes.
Kadaga called on Ugandan authorities in border districts to maintain close coordination and ensure that citizens do not cross into Kenya to participate in political or electoral activities.
