By Leilah Bbaale
Residents neighboring the Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo- DRC border in Kikuube District are living in fear after the Uganda People’s Defense forces- UPDF soldiers in the DRC to pursue the suspected Allied Democratic Forces-ADF rebels.
The UPDF, in a joint operation with DRC forces, launched a series of strikes against the Allied Democratic Forces-ADF militants in neighboring Congo, on Tuesday, an offensive that Ugandan officials said was intended to drive the militants out of their bases. It came at a backdrop of a series of terror attacks in different parts of Uganda, all of which were blamed on the ADF.
John Tibasiima, a resident at Bugoma landing site in Kyangwali sub-county in Kikuube wants security to be heightened to ensure that they are protected from any possible attacks by the suspected ADF militants who may retaliate.
According to Tibasiima, there is still security laxity along the Uganda-DRC border in the area and he fears that some of the ADF militants could easily sneak into the country through the porous border.
Stephen Bikobo, a resident of Kaiso landing site in Hoima district explains that there is a need for thorough surveillance and patrols both on land and on the lake by security to prevent any wrong elements from penetrating the country
Vincent Alpha Opio, the Kikuube LCV Vice-Chairperson says as leaders, they are worried about a possible invasion by some suspected ADF rebels who could flee DRC after being pursued by the UPDF and enter the region using the porous borders.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine Region Police Spokesperson says they are monitoring the situation both in the DRC and Uganda adding that they have deployed both uniformed and non-uniformed UPDF, CMI, and the police personnel to man security along the border.
He has however called on the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious persons and objects to security personnel for immediate action to be taken. However, though, the UPDF soldiers have launched an attack on the ADF rebels in DRC, no influx of Congolese nationals fleeing the fighting has been reported in the Albertine.
Peter Kyasimire, the Nkondo Parish LCII Chairperson in Kabwoya Sub County Kikuube District where Sebigoro reception center is located says no Congolese Nationals have crossed in the area.
Amlan Tumusiime, the Kikuube Resident District Commissioner, says the district has not recorded any threats from the ADF rebels in the district following the deployment of the UPDF in Eastern DRC to trace for the ADF militants.
