Border porousness and cross-border mobility management at Mpondwe, along Uganda-DRC border

Abstract

In this generation fostered by interconnectivity of cross border mobility amidst the threat of border porousness, line agencies in the management of cross-border mobility are expected to adopt a number of strategies that can support effective cross-border mobility management. This research studied the impact of border porousness on cross-border mobility management. The constructivism theory guided the study with three objectives; to establish the reasons for the use of porous borders rather than the formally managed border points; to examine the impact of border porousness on effective cross-border mobility management and to examine the existing strategies for effective cross-border mobility management. A qualitative case study design was adopted to collect primary data from key informants using a key informant interview guide and these included the local political leaders, customs, immigration and security officers. Data was also collected from community members such as cross-border traders, track drivers, teachers, health workers, farmers and retail/wholesale traders using in-depth interview guides and focus group discussion guides. Key informants were selected purposively while community members were selected basing on convenience sampling and data was analysed thematically to derive meaning through themes. Findings revealed that people use porous borders rather than formally managed border points. In the findings, the reasons for persistent use of porous border sections included; having families and gardens across the borders, smuggling, perceived over taxation, ignorance, poverty, illiteracy and misleading role by brokers. The use of porous borders has been found affecting the control of importation of dangerous products, control of terrorism and other international crimes, control of cross-border infectious diseases and human trafficking. These effects have attracted a number of strategies adopted by government agencies such as construction of a one stop border point, heavy deployment of UPDF soldiers, punishing defaulters, embarking on mass sensitization, interagency coordination, recruitment of informants and periodic stakeholders’ meetings between Uganda and DRC. However, these strategies registered weaknesses such as corruption among some border security officers, reluctance and ineffectiveness of DRC, unfinished one stop border point, unmotivated informants and others that called for a number of recommendations. Findings of this study are in agreement with the constructivism assumption that perception of border porousness, compliance or non-compliance to cross-border management norms, the effects of border porousness and the challenges encountered by managers are just mere constructions. Such findings help in filling the knowledge gaps in border studies and might also be a basis for taking informed decisions for improving cross-border mobility management thus, the need for a holistic approach to cross-border mobility management amidst border porousness. Keywords: Borders, Border Porousness, Cross-Border Mobility, Management