Uganda and UNODC Launch New Kampala Office to Combat Transnational Crime
Uganda and UNODC have signed a deal to open a new office in Kampala, enhancing efforts against organised crime and supporting regional anti-trafficking initiatives.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 18, 2026
2 min read
Uganda has formalised an agreement with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to establish a dedicated UNODC office in Kampala. The move aims to boost collaboration in tackling transnational organised crime across the region.
The Host Country Agreement was signed on August 18, 2026, by Uganda's Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare and UNODC Regional Representative for Eastern Africa Ali Farouk Elbereir at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Kampala.
Focus Areas and Regional Cooperation
The new office will focus on combating a range of crimes including wildlife trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, corruption, and smuggling of people. It will also strengthen support for law enforcement agencies and regional frameworks.
Notably, the agreement reinforces Uganda's active role in the Khartoum Process, a regional initiative addressing migration challenges between the Horn of Africa and Europe, with emphasis on curbing human trafficking and smuggling networks.
Strategic Importance
This development reflects a shared commitment between Uganda and UNODC to enhance institutional capacity, promote accountable governance, and coordinate cross-border efforts against criminal syndicates operating beyond national jurisdictions.
The Kampala office complements ongoing expansions of UN facilities in Nairobi, where a substantial $340 million project is underway to increase the United Nations’ operational footprint in Africa.
UN Under-Secretary-General Zainab Hawa Bangura highlighted Nairobi’s growing significance as a strategic hub for addressing global challenges and delivering UN initiatives across the continent.
