Remarks by UN Resident Coordinator at Handover Ceremony of Donation from IOM to the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control

Salutations

• The Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Gen. Jeje Odong
• Maj. Gen. Apollo Gowa-Kasita, Director of the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control
• H.E. Mizumoto Horii, Deputy to the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Uganda
• Mr. Mohammed Abdiker, IOM Regional Director for East and Horn of Africa
• Mr. Sanusi Tejan Savage, Chief of Mission, IOM Uganda

I am delighted to participate in the handover ceremony of a donation from the United Nations Migration Agency (IOM) to the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.

For several years now, IOM has had a special relationship with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and particularly with the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC).

The Government of Japan has been consistently supporting United Agencies in Uganda by funding several of our projects in various key sectors that contribute to Uganda’s social and economic transformation.

The boat and vehicle donated today to DCIC will enhance the patrolling capacity of the DCIC to enhance safe and orderly migration. This is part of IOM’s contribution under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021 -2025. IOM contributes to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and in particular SDG 10.7 facilitating orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility and implementing planned and well-managed migration policies  while contributing to strengthened Ugandan Institutions and intergovernmental coordination.

IOM support to the Ministry of Internal Affairs through DCIC includes capacity building of Immigration Officers; construction of infrastructure including the Immigration Training Academy in Nakasongola; provision of Information and Communication (ICT) equipment and software for better immigration data collection and analysis;  and development of immigration training curricula.

IOM is currently supporting the Government of Uganda, thanks to Japan funds, in combatting transnational threats in building an Immigration Maritime Unit through trainings and provision of equipment, including patrolling boats

IOM is contributing to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by building capacity of border post agencies and of protective equipment

The United Nations System in Uganda remains committed to working with the Government of Uganda and other stakeholders to ensure safe and orderly migration through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021 -2025 in support of the third National Development Plan (NDP III); to contribute to Uganda’s journey to transformation.

Thank you