NEWS– The UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Public Information Officer Maj Kiconco Tabaro has disclosed that the security situation on Ugandan side of in Kisoro and Kanungu Districts remain safe and peaceful and economic activities are thriving without any hindrance of any negative pressure.
Major Kiconco Tabaro issued a statement today August 6th 2024 morning saying that tourism activIties in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Conservation Area are going on well unhindered despite insecurity in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Tourists are seen busy enjoying the climbing lions, herds of Buffalos, antelope and many other animals in Ishasha sector and similarly Bwindi Mgahinga National Parks are receiving tourists as usual and their security is guaranteed by Security Forces and tourists continue to enjoy Gorilla tracking in the Bwindi and other activities of tourism are not affected in any way,” Maj Kiconco Tabaro said.
Major Kiconco Tabaro however said that the refugees from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo continue to enter Uganda through Kisoro and Kanungu.
“The 98 Congolese Policemen with their families all totaling to 114 are still with us. They are safe and not under detention, their issue is handled at a diplomatic level between the Government of Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo,” Maj Kiconco Tabaro gave an assurance.
The Army Spokesman said that the Security Forces will continue to monitor the situation closely with heightened vigilance and asked border communities and all stakeholders at all levels to remain alert and report any suspicious people in their areas.
Meanwhile Kanungu Resident District Commissioner Ambrose Mwesigye Amanyire has assured Kanungu community that there is tight security at the Border points of of Ishasha, Kyeshero and Kasenyi all that boarder with Eastern Democratic of Congo.
RDC Mwesigye said this in an interview with our reporter about the situation at boarder and he urged the people of Kanungu district especially those in subcounties and Town councils that boarders with Democratic Republic of Congo to be vigilant and work with their leaders.
RDC Amanyire said that there has been security development since Saturday night 3rd August 2023 where the M23 rebels took over Ishasha border in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo which has brought to influx of people fleeing to Uganda through Ishasha, Kyeshero and Kasenyi boarders and asked people to leave wars issues alone because security at the boarders are going to take care of their security.
He said that they have received more than 600 refugees at Matanda Transit Center and 98 armed Police Officers who came with their families.
“The Police officers came with their guns and ammunition but Ugandan security has already taken care of them and assured people of tight security and urged them to continue doing their businesses as usual,” RDC Mwesigye Amanyire said.
On Sunday evening, the M23 rebels occupied Ishasha border Town on the side of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo which forced the Congolese government officials who include customs, immigration and police to flee to Uganda for safety and the rebels took over without exchanging fire.
