Politics 14 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
IGAD Pushes Uganda to Speed Up Transhumance Protocol for Smoother Livestock Crossings
IGAD has called on Uganda to quickly sign and ratify the regional transhumance protocol to enable safe livestock movement across borders and boost stability. The framework aims to curb conflicts, diseases, and theft while supporting pastoral economies. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/igad-urges-uganda-to-fast-track-transhumance-protocol-to-ease-cross-border-livestock-movement-5423798
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is pressing Uganda to hasten the adoption of its transhumance protocol. This move would create a structured system for pastoralists and their animals to cross borders safely in search of water and grazing lands.
During a two-day forum in Entebbe with lawmakers and officials, IGAD’s Uganda mission head, Joselyn Bigirwa, highlighted the protocol’s potential. She noted it would tackle issues like animal diseases, cattle rustling, illegal weapons, and community clashes, while enhancing trade and resource sharing.
Bigirwa emphasized transhumance’s vital role, calling it a cultural tradition and economic driver that accounts for about 10% of the region’s GDP and 70% of goods in pastoral areas.
Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs peace and security chief, Edith Namutebi Nsubuga, acknowledged the country’s contributions to drafting the protocol despite not signing it yet. She advocated blending technology, better veterinary checks, and sustainable land practices into its rollout.
Legislator Phillips Lokwang Ilukol from Napore West County urged tailoring the protocol to local realities. He criticized top-down policies that overlook community needs along migration routes spanning Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Uganda.
The protocol seeks to align member states’ rules on livestock travel, land allocation, and disease prevention, with increased funding for pastoral zones. Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya have signed, while Uganda and Somalia are pending.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)