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The East African Community Secretariat is initiating a comprehensive sensitization campaign, dubbed the Border Sensitization Mission, starting from April 9th, 2024. This initiative aims to assess and enhance the performance of One-Stop Border Posts across various borders within the region.

The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat is set to conduct a sensitization campaign aimed at reviewing the performance of the various One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs).

Scheduled to commence on 9th April 2024, the strategy code-named Border Sensitization Mission also underscores the EAC’s commitment to fostering cooperation, enhancing trade facilitation, and improving cross-border procedures in all member states.

Reports from EAC headquarters in Arusha indicate that the high-level sensitization mission starting next week will be conducted at selected borders within the region. These include Mutukula plus Elegu and Nimule.

“The primary objective of the mission is to follow up on the performance of OSBPs, identify areas for improvement, and assess the implementation of agreed action plans. The interaction aims to address challenges and streamline processes at these critical facilities,” states the release from the EAC Secretariat

Through engagements will involve various stakeholders including Officers in Charge of the OSBPs; customs, immigration, standards, and port health officers, representatives of other border agencies, cross-border traders, and local government authorities.

Selected borders and mission dates:

Nimule/Elegu, South Sudan side – 9th April

Mutukula/Mutukula, Uganda side – 12th April

Rusumo/Rusumo, Rwanda side – 15th April

Kobero/Kabanga, Burundi side – 16th April

Namanga/Namanga, Tanzania – 19th April

Similar missions are planned for other OSBPs in June and July 2024.