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Kenya, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania Unite to Combat Transnational Organized Crime around Lake Victoria Region

Border officials from Kenya, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania during the 4th Regional Working Group Meeting. © Rahel Negussie/IOM

Mombasa, Kenya – Border officials from Kenya, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania convened in Kenya for the 4th Regional Working Group Meeting to enhance regional security and combat transnational organized crime around Lake Victoria Region. This initiative brings together representatives from the three countries to deliberate on improving coordination and cooperation in border security and governance on Lake Victoria.

The three-day workshop was officially opened by Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, and the Chairperson of the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC) in Kenya.

We must work together to safeguard Lake Victoria and the communities around it. This initiative is helping the three countries to better coordinate, build capacity, and also foster mutual understanding among border communities,” Dr. Raymond Omollo emphasized the need for collaborative efforts.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) established the Regional Working Group under a multi-country project, “Countering Transnational Threats on Lake Victoria by Enhancing Border Security Capacities and Coordination Between Authorities in Kenya, Uganda, and United Republic of Tanzania”. This initiative is supported by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) of the U.S. government.

Lake Victoria, one of Africa’s largest shared water bodies, plays a vital role in sustaining livelihoods, fostering commerce, and facilitating cultural exchange across the three nations. However, the region also experiences challenges, including transnational organized crime, human trafficking and smuggling, misinformation and community conflicts.

Strengthening the relationship and building trust and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and border communities around the lake will help address human trafficking, smuggling and movement of illicit goods across the region,” said Dimanche Sharon, IOM Kenya Chief of Mission. “When local communities are equally involved in these efforts, the results are more sustainable.”

Ms. Dimanche also acknowledged the successful completion of Regional Assessment of Transnational Organised Crime and Integrated Border Governance on Lake Victoria Ports in The United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya, which offers crucial insights for future interventions under this project.

The delegates also visited Kilindini Port, and the Kenya Maritime Authority Headquarters in Mombasa, gaining first-hand insight into operations and regional coordination efforts for search and rescue operations at sea.

For more information, please contact Rahel Negussie rnegussie@iom.int and iomkenyacommunications@iom.int at IOM Kenya.