Uganda: UNGA Calls For Enhanced Counter-Terrorism Cooperation In Africa

• Uganda advocated for enhanced regional cooperation against terrorism at a UN General Assembly side event in New York on September 23, 2026.
• Rebecca Amuge Otengo, Uganda's representative, stressed that transnational threats like terrorism require collective action and good neighborliness.
• Key proposals included boosting intelligence sharing, resourcing the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre, and implementing integrated border governance via the Niamey Convention.
• Uganda also called for the full operationalization of the African Standby Force and sustainable financing for African-led peace initiatives, supported by UN Security Council Resolution 2719.
• The nation identified exclusion, youth unemployment, and illicit financial flows as critical root causes of terrorism, advocating for community involvement and development.

Ambassador Otengo underscored that no single nation possesses the capacity to overcome a cross-border threat solely through domestic efforts.

Uganda recently urged for significantly enhanced regional collaboration, integrated border governance, and sustained support for African-led peace and security initiatives to effectively counter terrorism and violent extremism across the continent. This crucial appeal was made during a meeting held on September 23, 2026, in New York, coinciding with the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The event, themed "Good Neighbourliness and Regional Responses to Security and Terrorism Challenges in Africa," took place at the UN Observer Mission Offices, serving as a platform for African Union Member States to strategize on strengthening inter-state ties to address emerging security threats.

Representing Uganda at the 1369th Ministerial Meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC), Rebecca Amuge Otengo, Uganda's Permanent Representative to both the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, emphasized the transnational nature of terrorism and violent extremism. She highlighted that these threats disregard national boundaries, exploiting vulnerabilities such as ungoverned territories, local grievances, inadequate border controls, illicit financial flows, and sophisticated transnational criminal networks. Ambassador Otengo underscored that no single nation possesses the capacity to overcome a cross-border threat solely through domestic efforts.

Uganda's delegation stressed the imperative of good neighborliness as a foundational security principle. This approach is rooted in mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs, while actively fostering dialogue, building mutual confidence, establishing early warning systems, and coordinating actions. The nation's stance advocates for a comprehensive, collective response that transcends individual state capabilities.

To bolster regional security, Ambassador Otengo specifically called for intensified intelligence-sharing, collaborative threat assessments, and strengthened cooperation among security and law enforcement agencies across Africa. A key proposal included providing adequate resources to the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre (AU CTC). This funding is intended to enhance coordination between national and regional counter-terrorism centers, facilitate intelligence fusion, and build essential institutional capacity.

Furthermore, Uganda highlighted the critical need to reinforce integrated border governance. This involves leveraging the African Union Border Programme and ensuring the full implementation of the Niamey Convention. The strategy also advocates for actively engaging border communities in preventing insecurity, recognizing their vital role. It links security directly with development, proposing investments in public services, livelihood opportunities, and legitimate cross-border trade to transform borderlands into zones of peace and prosperity.

The East African nation also pressed for the full operationalization of the African Standby Force (ASF) and its regional components. This includes ensuring timely deployment capabilities, securing sustainable logistics, and predictable financing mechanisms, all while respecting the sovereignty of Member States and adhering to international law. These measures are deemed crucial for a robust and responsive regional security architecture.

Uganda's intervention also focused on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of terrorism. The delegation pinpointed exclusion, high youth unemployment, radicalization, disinformation, arms trafficking, and terrorism financing as critical drivers fueling extremist activities. To counter these, Uganda emphasized the indispensable role of diverse partners, including women, youth, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and the private sector, in fostering prevention efforts and building community resilience.

Moreover, Uganda advocated for improved coordination among the African Union, various Regional Economic Communities, and Regional Mechanisms. The objective is to clarify responsibilities, streamline efforts, and eliminate duplication in peace and security initiatives. A central theme of Uganda's address was the necessity of sustainable financing for African-led peace and security operations.

Ambassador Otengo specifically underscored the importance of effectively implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719. This resolution is pivotal as it supports the financing of African Union peace support operations and aims to deepen cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union, ensuring a more predictable and robust funding framework for continental security endeavors.

Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor the implementation of these regional counter-terrorism initiatives, particularly concerning enhanced intelligence-sharing, integrated border governance, and efforts to combat illicit financial flows. These developments may impact compliance obligations for cross-border operations and financial transactions within Africa, requiring updated risk assessments and client advisories.

Source: Reporting based on recent dispatches.