21 November 2025, Entebbe- Uganda: the IGAD Security Sector Program (IGAD-SSP) convened a three-day bilateral workshop on 18-20 November 2025 in Entebbe, Uganda bringing together senior officials from Ethiopia and Uganda to strengthen cooperation against human trafficking, smuggling of migrants, illicit financial flows, and related transnational threats. The workshop provided a platform for criminal intelligence officers, prosecutors, financial intelligence units, border agencies, and justice officials to jointly examine the complexity of trafficking and smuggling networks and to strengthen bilateral mechanisms for combating them.
The first day featured opening and welcome remarks from the IGAD SSP head, the IGAD Head of Mission to Uganda, and a representative from the Government of Ethiopia, followed by a comprehensive overview of transnational security threats in the region. Experts presented the dynamics of trafficking and smuggling networks, financial flows, and the broader links to cybercrime, terrorism financing, and organised crime. Case studies from both Member States highlighted practical challenges in investigations, prosecutions, and intelligence sharing.
The following day focused on enhancing criminal, financial, and legal intelligence cooperation between the two countries. Participants assessed institutional readiness and discussed ways to harmonise national procedures. A hands-on simulation exercise allowed teams to work through a cross-border scenario, identifying operational gaps, procedural steps, and areas where joint action is essential.
During the final day, participants focused on developing a bilateral operational framework combining legal, financial, and intelligence-led responses. A joint action plan and an outcome document outlining priority recommendations for disrupting trafficking networks and illicit financial flows was developed. Closing remarks from IGAD SSP Head, Mrs. Nejat Abdulrahman, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting sustained cooperation.
The workshop achieved its key objectives by strengthening cooperation among law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and financial intelligence units. Participants enhanced their understanding of trafficking and smuggling networks, illicit financial flows, and the tools needed for intelligence-led investigations and cross-border prosecution. The discussions also aligned national efforts with regional IGAD frameworks and supported the development of coordinated strategies to address the wider links between trafficking, smuggling, terrorism financing, organized crime, cybercrime, and illicit trade.
The workshop concluded with a shared understanding and improved coordination mechanisms from Ethiopia and Uganda to collaborate more closely in combating human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and associated security threats. The outcomes will feed into wider IGAD regional efforts to promote coordinated, intelligence-led responses to transnational crime.
This workshop was supported by the European Union through the African Union Peace and Security Architecture. (END)