Captain Peter Mugisha, Kisoro Resident District Commissioner says that the soldiers whom he declined to reveal their identities for security reasons were arrested on Monday after a tip off from their fellows that they were helping DR Congo nationals to cross to Uganda.
Two Uganda Peoples Defense Forces soldiers attached to the 35th Battalion Nyakabande in Kisoro district have been arrested for allegedly aiding Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) nationals to cross and enter Uganda.
Captain Peter Mugisha, Kisoro Resident District Commissioner (RDC) says that the soldiers whom he declined to reveal their identities for security reasons were arrested on Monday after a tip off by other soldiers.
Mugisha says that after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni directed the closure of borders as one of the measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID -19), Kisoro district security committee implemented it by deploying UPDF soldiers along the border to repel any person from further crossing to Uganda.
Mugisha however says that the duo instead used the border closure as an opportunity to help Congolese nationals to cross into Uganda to buy animals especially cows, goats and pigs.
The RDC says that after investigations are complete, the soldiers will face the court martial to answer the charges accordingly.
Mugisha also expresses concern of locals transacting business at Gaahenerezo porous border with Rwanda in the presence of the soldiers.
Philemon Mateke, the State Minister for Regional Affairs says that the arrest has come as a relief because they had received many incidents of Congolese nationals crossing to Uganda to transact business as usual which increases the chances of spreading COVID-19.
Stephen Nsabiyunva, Kisoro District Health Officer says that they have already quarantined 30 people at Kisoro Primary Teachers College who were intercepted while crossing to Uganda from DR Congo.
John Mfitumukiza
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