Kampala, Uganda | October 9, 2026

Uganda has warned its citizens against crossing into Kenya to participate in political or electoral activities ahead of Kenya's 2027 General Election, amid controversy over allegations that foreign nationals are being registered as Kenyan voters.

Uganda's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, said security agencies, immigration officials and local leaders in districts bordering Kenya had been directed to monitor cross-border political activities and prevent Ugandan citizens from becoming involved in Kenya's electoral process.

Kadaga said Uganda respects Kenya's sovereignty and has no role in determining who participates in the country's elections. She also distanced the Ugandan government from any activities by individuals that could amount to unlawful interference in Kenya's electoral affairs.

The warning follows allegations that some Ugandan nationals living in communities along the Kenya-Uganda border have obtained Kenyan identification documents and subsequently registered as voters ahead of the August 10, 2027 General Election.

The allegations have particularly focused on border communities where longstanding family, cultural and commercial ties have made cross-border movement common.

Ugandan authorities have called for closer attention to political and electoral activities involving citizens in several districts bordering Kenya, including Bukwo, Moroto, Amudat, Namisindwa, Busia, Tororo and Namayingo.

Kadaga also addressed concerns surrounding participation in the electoral processes of both countries, stressing that Ugandan citizens should not attempt to take part in Kenya's elections while also participating in Uganda's electoral process.

The controversy follows media reports alleging that some Ugandan nationals were being facilitated to obtain Kenyan identification documents and register as voters. The claims have renewed debate over the integrity of Kenya's voters' register and the ability of authorities to prevent foreign nationals from participating in the country's elections.

Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, however, has rejected claims of an organised scheme to register foreigners. The commission has said it has not received credible evidence supporting allegations of illegal voter registration, voter transfers or the systematic registration of foreign nationals.

The competing claims have heightened political sensitivities ahead of Kenya's 2027 elections, with some Kenyan opposition figures previously calling on Ugandan authorities to discourage their citizens from becoming involved in Kenya's electoral activities.

The issue also comes against the backdrop of the close relationship between communities on either side of the Kenya-Uganda border. Cross-border movement is common for trade, employment, family visits and other legitimate activities, making it important for authorities to distinguish lawful movement from political or electoral participation.

Uganda has maintained that its measures are intended to prevent unlawful political involvement rather than restrict legitimate cross-border interaction.

With Kenya's 2027 elections approaching, voter registration and the integrity of the electoral roll are likely to remain under close scrutiny. Both countries face the challenge of protecting electoral sovereignty while preserving the longstanding social and economic links between their border communities.