As Uganda continues to tighten security and surveillance along the border with DR Congo to prevent the spread of Ebola, claims are emerging that some Congolese now use money to bribe security personnel to allow them enter Uganda. Currently the over 1,000 kilometer border stretch between Uganda and DR Congo from Koboko to Kisoro, with numerous porous points is being manned and patrolled by joint forces but it continues to pose a high risk of Ebola outbreak in the Country.
Following the increasing threat of the Ebola Virus Disease over the past three weeks, businesses, markets, travels and social events like betting, night discos among others along the border and in Arua City were stopped, but more Congolese have reportedly continued to enter Arua on foot and Boda Bodas.
During a joint meeting of Boda Bodas Leaders of Arua City and DR Congo held on Wednesday at Odramacaku Border, it was alleged that some of the Congolese pay as much as 100 Dollars to security personnel to allow them enter and transact businesses in Arua City.
Swadik Amaku, the chairperson Arua City Boda Bodas Association said while they have agreed to impound any Boda Boda found carrying Congolese into Uganda, some of them now compromise security personnel with money to enter Uganda, rendering their efforts null and void.
But Herbert Odama the chairperson Arua Main Market Vendors Association revealed that though some of the security personnel are on the spot for receiving money to allow Congolese enter Arua, some of the Boda Bodas continue to carry the Congolese into Arua at higher charges using the porous border points.
However, Ignatius Dragudu the regional Police Community Liaison officer West Nile has called on the public to report any police officer involved in picking money to allow Congolese Citizens enter Uganda illegally.
Betty Otekat the RCC Arua has described the practice of picking money from Congolese by Security Officers as unfortunate and promised to ensure its end as the forces continue to patrol the border with DR Congo.
Despite closure of all border points and suspension of all public events like disco dances, betting centers and public rallies, many people continue with normal activities in Arua and DR Congo, posing a challenge of effectively managing the threat of Ebola viral disease-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
