KISORO – Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have temporarily shut down the border with Uganda in Nkuringo town council, Bukimbiri constituency, citing unspecified reasons.
This abrupt closure has sparked concerns about potential food shortages among Ugandan residents living near the border.
The closure reportedly took effect last Sunday, with officials from DRC, stationed at the Bunyagaro border in Nteko ward, Nkuringo town council, claiming that the directive originated from the Bunyagaro Chief on the Congolese side. The chief accused Ugandan residents of allowing their livestock to graze on Congolese crops and alleged violent conduct by UPDF officers against Congolese nationals. These allegations remain unconfirmed.
The closure has triggered distress among residents of villages along the Uganda-Congo border and those in proximity, prompting calls for government intervention. Many depend on Congolese land for crop cultivation and the rearing of domestic animals such as cows and goats. The border closure coincides with the anticipated harvest of crops like beans, cassava, millet, and sweet potatoes, intensifying fears of food shortages if the diplomatic issues between the governments of Uganda and Congo are not swiftly resolved.
   CUE IN NTEKO RESIDENTS…..ON BORDER……RR//
Thomas Munyakarago, a local leader in Bunyagaro on the Congolese side, expressed the prolonged concerns of Congolese nationals whose gardens have allegedly been damaged by Ugandan livestock. He cited difficulties in holding responsible individuals accountable for fines.
Habumugisha Samuel, the Congolese Immigrations officer, stated that the reasons for the border closure are political and require intervention from higher authorities in both governments. He noted that attempts by Congolese authorities to engage their Ugandan counterparts have proven unsuccessful.
CUE IN BORDER OFFICIALS….ON THE MATTER….RR//
A UPDF soldier, speaking anonymously and stationed in Nteko, dismissed Congolese accusations, suggesting that they might be attempting to delay as they harvest crops from Ugandan gardens. Notably, the Bunyagaro border has not been officially designated as a border by both Uganda and Congo.
The Source Reports.
We come to you.
Want to send us a story or have an opinion to share? Send an email to [email protected] or WhatsApp on +256742996036.
