Senior Reporter
Tensions are escalating among residents of Nkuringo town council in Kisoro district due to the sudden closure of the Nteko border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This porous border connects Kikobero, Nteko, Nyamikumbo, and Bikokora villages in Nkuringo town council, where locals cultivate crops on the Congolese side.
Unfortunately, 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 the DRC. Consequently, affected residents are facing food shortages as they are unable to reach their gardens.
Expressing concern over the prolonged border closure exceeding five days, Atanazio Kajubwami, the Mayor of Nkuringo town council, emphasizes that the livelihoods of the town’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.
Chairman Abel Bizimana of Kisoro district issues a stern warning to residents, advising against crossing into the DRC until the border dispute is resolved. He emphasizes that anyone defying this caution and risking crossing into the DRC might face the serious consequence of being kidnapped, with the responsibility falling squarely on them.
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.
