Security teams at the Pakwach Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) checkpoint have arrested five Congolese nationals who were traveling to Kampala in a private vehicle.
The suspects reportedly entered the country illegally following the closure of the Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) borders, a strategic move aimed at curbing the potential spread of the Ebola virus into Uganda.
The Pakwach Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr Achile Twaibu, confirmed the arrests, noting that the suspects would be deported through the Goli border post. This latest interception brings the total number of Congolese nationals deported since June 1 to 39.
“Yesterday, we intercepted a vehicle with a Ugandan registration number plate carrying five Congolese nationals heading to Kampala. We have halted their journey, and they will be deported back to Congo via the Goli border customs,” Mr. Twaibu said.
However, Mr Twaibu criticized security officials in neighboring Arua for alleged laxity, which he claims is undermining the joint regional operation.
“We want to urge our counterparts in Arua to act. In their recent security meeting, they indicated that there are more than 50 Congolese nationals currently operating in local hotels. Why wait? When you see the threat, you must act immediately. The ones we arrested today are just remnants. Leaving the burden to a single district is unfair and compromises our collective security,” Mr. Twaibu added.
Since June 1, security forces and the regional Ebola task force have subjected all passenger buses and taxis en route to Kampala and other parts of the country from the West Nile region to mandatory day-and-night screening. The operation aims to intercept illegal entrants from the DRC, where Ebola cases have been on the rise.
While travelers have complained about delays caused by the mandatory individual screenings, health experts insist the measures are vital.
Lt. Scolastica Tino, the UPDF operation commander, emphasized that documentation is thoroughly scrutinized. “We check for all the necessary movement documents, and those who lack them are subjected to additional screening before action is taken,” she said.
Dr Jimmy Opigo, the Assistant Commissioner for Health Services (Inspection and Compliance), revealed that the Ministry of Health is considering establishing a permanent testing and holding center in Pakwach due to the high volume of human traffic.
“Surveillance is being strengthened because the majority of Congolese heading to Kampala enter through West Nile and pass through Pakwach. We know these buses emerge from Koboko, Arua, and Zombo. Instructions have been issued to transport operators not to board Congolese nationals without proper clearance,” Dr. Opigo stated.
Dr. Opigo warned that the West Nile region risks a partial lockdown if a single case of Ebola is confirmed, a scenario that would devastate the local economy.
“If we prevent community spread, we can contain this threat within 105 days. However, if the virus spreads into the population, it will take Uganda at least 210 days to recover, doubling the economic and health impact. It is cheaper to cooperate and report alerts now,” Dr. Opigo warned.
In response to the growing threat, Arua City authorities have ordered all hotels to screen guests and banned accommodation for visitors from high-risk areas in the DRC. Border markets have also been suspended.