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

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.