Heavy security deployed at Uganda-Kenya border

BUSIA-A joint security team has been deployed at the main border points between Uganda and Kenya ahead of a general election tomorrow.

According to officials, the Ugandan security officers will control traffic flow at Malaba and Busia border posts.

The Resident District Commissioner Tororo, Nickson Owole said there is an unusual influx of people from Kenya entering Uganda.

He said intelligence reports indicate many people have entered Uganda in the past one week through Malaba border post.

The RDC who heads the district security team, said they have established a desk at the entry points to register all Kenyans fleeing their country in anticipation of violence.

“We have seen a couple of people crossing into the country [Uganda] through Malaba border. We are yet to verify their nationalities and where exactly they are moving to. We have also established that most of those crossing are Ugandans who had gone to Kenya to do odd jobs and are returning home fearing that what happened in the 2007 post-election could happen again,” he said.

He said they have partnered with the Uganda Red Cross Society to establish a desk at the Malaba entry point to register those entering Uganda.

“We have gazetted Oriyoi Primary School in Morukatipe Sub-county and St. Jude Primary School in Malaba town council as reception centres to cater for any eventualities,” he said.

Owole said the decision to have reception centres was taken after getting reports that Kenyans are crossing into Uganda with their luggage.

“We have teamed up with our security teams at the entire border stretching the Eastern corridor,” he said.

The Bukedi South Regional Police Commander, Julius Ceasar Tusingwire told the regional security committee meeting that they have stepped up surveillance along the border stretching from Majanji in Busia district to Elgon region.

“It’s unfortunate that the borders are porous. However, with the help of village leaders, we are trying to map all illegal entry points before deployment can be done. For now, we are concentrating on official routes,” he said.

Tororo municipality Member of Parliament, Yeri Apollo Ofwono, appealed to the neighbouring communities to be receptive to their counterparts from Kenya.

“This is our own relatives don’t harass them in case they cross into the country. Our role is to welcome them and direct them to the rightful places where they can get support,” the MP said.

However, Tororo District LC5 chairperson, John Okeya, appealed to government to equip the already gazetted reception centres so that the country is not caught offside.

“We need to meet all village leaders within the border corridor to educate them on their role in ensuring that the country remains safe and secure,” he said.

At both Malaba and Busia points of entry, the number of cargo trucks has drastically reduced compared to normal days.

The number of cargo trucks started reducing last  Friday from 1037 to 932 by Sunday, officials said.

Raila Odinga [Azimio] and William Ruto [Kenya Kwanza] are the front runners in tomorrow’s presidential election in Kenya.

https://thecooperator.news/kenya-20-saccos-risk-closure-for-failing-to-adhere-to-regulations/

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