KISORO – Tension is escalating among residents of Nkuringo town council in Kisoro district following the abrupt closure of the Nteko Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border. This porous border links Kikobero, Nteko, Nyamikumbo, and Bikokora villages in Nkuringo town council, where inhabitants cultivate crops on the Congolese side.
Regrettably, a group of individuals from the Democratic Republic of Congo has erected a roadblock at the border, preventing local residents from accessing and harvesting their crops in DRC. Consequently, the affected residents are grappling with starvation as they have been unable to reach their gardens.
CUE IN LOCALS……ON THE ISSUE……RR//
Atanazio Kajubwami, the Mayor of Nkuringo town council, expresses concern over the prolonged closure of the border, now exceeding five days. He emphasizes that the livelihoods of Nkuringo town council’s inhabitants heavily depend on the crops they cultivate in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kajubwami reveals that some locals have resorted to bribing individuals, offering amounts ranging from 2000 to 5000 shillings, in order to cross the closed border.
CUE IN KAJUBWAMI…..ON THE ISSUE….RR//
Abel Bizimana, the Chairman of Kisoro district, issues a stern warning to residents, advising against crossing into DRC until the border dispute is resolved. He emphasizes that anyone defying this caution and risking crossing into DRC might face the grave consequence of being kidnapped, with the responsibility falling squarely on them.
CUE IN BIZIMANA…..ON THE CLOSURE……RR//
Hajji Badru Ssebyala, the Resident District Commissioner of Kisoro, acknowledges the border’s closure and reassures the public that his office is actively addressing the situation. He discloses ongoing communication with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to ascertain the reasons behind the border closure and identify the individuals responsible for this disruptive move.
CUE IN SSEBYALA…..ON THE BORDER…….ENG//
