News
10 Congolese arrested over illegal entry through Kisoro
The suspects were arrested on November 7, 2026, in Echuya National Park by a Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) enforcement team on allegations of criminal trespass in a protected area.
Kigezi sub-region Police spokesperson Nelson Tumushime. (File photo)
By: John B. Thawite, Journalist @New Vision
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Police in Kisoro district have arrested 10 nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for allegedly entering Uganda illegally through an unofficial border crossing.
The suspects were arrested on November 7, 2026, in Echuya National Park by a Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) enforcement team on allegations of criminal trespass in a protected area.
They were also charged with illegal entry into Uganda without valid travel documents.
Police identified the suspects as Shameshu Makele Espoir, Alliance Busomeke, Ngabucha Love, Merveille Justine Odhua, Akilimali Balume, Asifiwe Chintalia, Jakisa Kermundu, Kukuni Mukulumanya, Iragi Chebuluzi Bahati and Mukengere Biralungira.
According to police, the suspects allegedly crossed into Uganda through an unofficial entry point, bypassing the gazetted Bunagana border point, without valid travel documents or undergoing immigration clearance and health screening.
They were found in Echuya National Park by the UWA enforcement team while heading to Kampala via Kabale and were intercepted.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly failed to provide valid identification or travel documents and could not satisfactorily explain the purpose of their visit to Uganda.
According to police, the suspects allegedly crossed into Uganda through an unofficial entry point, bypassing the gazetted Bunagana border point, without valid travel documents or undergoing immigration clearance and health screening.
They were found in Echuya National Park by the UWA enforcement team while heading to Kampala via Kabale and were intercepted.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly failed to provide valid identification or travel documents and could not satisfactorily explain the purpose of their visit to Uganda.
They are being held at Kisoro Central Police Station on charges of illegal entry into Uganda, contrary to the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act, as investigations continue.
Kigezi sub-region Police spokesperson Nelson Tumushime advised foreign nationals to use gazetted border points and carry valid travel documents.
“Anyone found entering Uganda illegally will be arrested and prosecuted or repatriated,” Tumushime said.
He also warned Ugandans against aiding illegal entry by harbouring, transporting or employing undocumented immigrants, saying those found doing so would be arrested.
Police appealed to the public to report suspicious persons and illegal border crossings to the nearest police station.
Kigezi sub-region Police spokesperson Nelson Tumushime advised foreign nationals to use gazetted border points and carry valid travel documents.
“Anyone found entering Uganda illegally will be arrested and prosecuted or repatriated,” Tumushime said.
He also warned Ugandans against aiding illegal entry by harbouring, transporting or employing undocumented immigrants, saying those found doing so would be arrested.
Police appealed to the public to report suspicious persons and illegal border crossings to the nearest police station.