There is a heavy security deployment and surveillance along the Uganda-DRC border in Kikuube and Hoima districts following an influx of Congolese Nationals fleeing deadly tribal clashes in the Eastern DRC.
The clashes between the Lendu and Bagegere started on Wednesday last week forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes fearing for their lives. Those fleeing are mostly women, children, and the elderly from the areas of Joo, Gobu, and Roo in Bunia district, Ituri province.
Some of the DRC nationals started entering Kikuube District on Wednesday last week through Lake Albert and landed at Songa Landing Site in Buhuka Parish, Kyangwali sub-county. By Sunday, more than 200 Congolese nationals fleeing the tribal clashes had crossed to Kikuube and Hoima districts.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine Region Police Spokesperson says they have heightened security surveillance along the shores of Lake Albert to detect wrong elements from taking advantage of the influx of Congolese entering the country.
He says they have deployed the police, UPDF soldiers, and other security agencies who are currently manning the Uganda-DRC border in the two districts. He has appealed to residents settling along the shores of lake Albert to be vigilant and coordinate with security to detect any wrong elements.
Amlan Tumusiime, the Kikuube Resident District Commissioner-RDC calls for calm among residents saying they have taken charge of the security situation along the Uganda-DRC border.
He challenged the residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects and persons to the nearest security personnel.
Reginal Okumu Ngamita, the Buhuka LCII Chairperson has applauded security for the deployment in the area saying residents were scared by the influx of Congolese nationals given the harsh security situation back in their home country.