Illegal immigrants irk Ruhaama
Nov 18, 2010
RESIDENTS of Rwikiniro, Ruhaama, Rukoni and Ngoma sub-counties in Ruhaama county in Ntungamo district have expressed concern over the increasing number of illegal immigrants in the area.
By Chris Mugasha
and Fred Turyakira
RESIDENTS of Rwikiniro, Ruhaama, Rukoni and Ngoma sub-counties in Ruhaama county in Ntungamo district have expressed concern over the increasing number of illegal immigrants in the area.
They noted that the foreigners were mostly from the neighbouring Rwanda and Tanzania.
The residents said the immigrants had become a threat and asked the internal affairs ministry to intensify security at border posts.
Eliakarim Kato, a resident, said the days for foreigners to stay in the country should be clearly stated.
The Ruhaama sub-county NRM chairman, James Turyahikayo, said security at Mirama hill at the Uganda-Rwanda border was poor. He said the few Policemen who operate there do so from one uniport.
Peter Kibondo Rwakifari, the resident district commissioner, cited a case in which an illegal immigrant hacked a child to death after a quarrel.
He also said they steal cattle and take them to Rwanda.
Rwakifari blamed the residents for the increasing number of immigrants, saying they hire them for work.
He said some LCI chairpersons issue letters to the immigrants confirming that they are genuine residents.
“Why do you hide them? Don’t encourage them to come here,†Rwakifari appealed.
This was during a meeting with the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, at Ruhaama sub-county headquarters in Ntungamo district on Wednesday.
Kayihura had gone to the area on the request of the First Lady, Mrs. Janet Museveni.
Mrs. Museveni, who is also Ruhaama MP, complained to him about the increased crime and indiscipline among the Police in the area.
Kayihura said the introduction of national identification cards would solve the problem of illegal immigrants.
He appealed to the LCs to resume the registration of each new person and visitors in their villages.
Kayihura delivered a police sniffer dog, five motorcycles, 10 bicycles and 35 Police field unit officers to intensify night patrols and security in Ruhaama.
and Fred Turyakira
RESIDENTS of Rwikiniro, Ruhaama, Rukoni and Ngoma sub-counties in Ruhaama county in Ntungamo district have expressed concern over the increasing number of illegal immigrants in the area.
They noted that the foreigners were mostly from the neighbouring Rwanda and Tanzania.
The residents said the immigrants had become a threat and asked the internal affairs ministry to intensify security at border posts.
Eliakarim Kato, a resident, said the days for foreigners to stay in the country should be clearly stated.
The Ruhaama sub-county NRM chairman, James Turyahikayo, said security at Mirama hill at the Uganda-Rwanda border was poor. He said the few Policemen who operate there do so from one uniport.
Peter Kibondo Rwakifari, the resident district commissioner, cited a case in which an illegal immigrant hacked a child to death after a quarrel.
He also said they steal cattle and take them to Rwanda.
Rwakifari blamed the residents for the increasing number of immigrants, saying they hire them for work.
He said some LCI chairpersons issue letters to the immigrants confirming that they are genuine residents.
“Why do you hide them? Don’t encourage them to come here,†Rwakifari appealed.
This was during a meeting with the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, at Ruhaama sub-county headquarters in Ntungamo district on Wednesday.
Kayihura had gone to the area on the request of the First Lady, Mrs. Janet Museveni.
Mrs. Museveni, who is also Ruhaama MP, complained to him about the increased crime and indiscipline among the Police in the area.
Kayihura said the introduction of national identification cards would solve the problem of illegal immigrants.
He appealed to the LCs to resume the registration of each new person and visitors in their villages.
Kayihura delivered a police sniffer dog, five motorcycles, 10 bicycles and 35 Police field unit officers to intensify night patrols and security in Ruhaama.