The dilemma of porous borders: Uganda’s experience in combating terrorism

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Authors
Isoke, Henry
Subjects
porous borders
terrorism
counterterrorism
Al Shabaab
ADF
LRA
geopolitical location
regional cooperation
Advisors
Halladay, Carolyn
Matei, Florina Cristiana
Date of Issue
2015-12
Date
Dec-15
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis explores how porous borders have exacerbated terrorism in Uganda. Since the last terrorist attack in 2010 by Al Shaabab, Uganda has not experienced a significant terrorist incident. Still, the threat remains real and constant because of the situations on Uganda’s porous borders. For example, the Allied Democratic Front (ADF) terrorists still operate cells in the country, and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) poses a threat from across the South Sudan–DRC–Uganda border. This thesis looks at how Uganda’s law enforcement agencies secure the country without undermining legitimate economic and social activities conducted through the borders. Because porous borders are, by definition, an international concern, this study also explores the regional cooperation and coordination mechanisms in place between Uganda and its regional partners on the one hand, and between Uganda and the international community on the other hand. Ultimately, the study finds that, given Uganda’s geopolitical location as a land-locked country, the borders will remain more or less porous. The way forward is to evolve systems that will manage this porosity to the benefit of law and order in Uganda.
Type
Thesis
Description
Reissued 10 Jan 2017 with fixed typographic error in abstract and page 2.
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs
National Security Affairs
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NPS Report Number
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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