Uganda signs UNODC deal for major Kampala office

Uganda and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) signed a Host Country Agreement in Kampala to establish a permanent agency base. The deal was formalized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters between Minister of Foreign Affairs Adonia Ayebare and UNODC Regional Representative for Eastern Africa Ali Farouk Elbereir.

The planned facility is projected to become one of the three largest offices operated globally by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Representatives noted that the decision reflects the strategic position and regional stability of the host country.

The new operational hub will focus on addressing wildlife trafficking, people smuggling, cybercrime, money laundering, and corruption. It aims to support domestic law enforcement agencies and strengthen institutional capacity across East Africa to disrupt cross-border criminal networks.

The bilateral discussions also touched upon the country's leadership role in the Khartoum Process. Both delegations identified joint opportunities to address regional migration management, crime prevention, and related security challenges across the broader Horn of Africa.

Minister Ayebare welcomed the establishment of the facility, stating that the partnership will assist local security agencies in dismantling organized criminal cartels. He assured the delegation of full institutional support from national authorities during the rollout of planned regional programs.

UNODC Executive Director and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) Monica Juma welcomed the signing of the accord. She noted that the framework establishes a solid foundation to address drug trafficking, corruption, and rule of law initiatives.

The establishment of the Kampala facility aligns with a broader expansion of UN infrastructure across East Africa. In May 2026, work commenced on a $340 million expansion of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) headquarters in neighboring Kenya.

The new office will provide a formal operational framework to deepen cooperation between the government and international partners. Technical teams are expected to begin logistical preparations for the facility in the Delegates signing the Host Country Agreement at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Kampala, Uganda.coming months.