News
Kikuube pushes ahead with border post relocation over security concerns
Godwin Angalia, the RDC, said the relocation is being considered because the existing border post is located close to two key and active components of the Kingfisher Development Area.
Nsonga Border hosts key oil and gas developments at the Kingfisher project in Kikuube District. (Courtesy)
By: Wilson Asiimwe, Journalist @New Vision
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The Kikuube resident district commissioner (RDC) wants the border post at Nsonga landing site relocated to Nsunzu fishing village in Buhuka parish, Kyangwali subcounty, citing security concerns around the Kingfisher oil development project.
Godwin Angalia, the RDC, said the relocation is being considered because the existing border post is located close to two key and active components of the Kingfisher Development Area.
“Well Pad 1 and Pad 2 are close to the immigration and associated offices, and it becomes complex, especially when travellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo arrive at night,” Angalia said.
He said the proposed relocation would only affect government offices and would not require residents to move.
“There are offices of immigration, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and internal security that will be relocated. Nothing else,” he said.
Angalia said Nsunzu A and Nsunzu B were being considered because, despite their relative proximity to Well Pad 4, they are farther from residential communities.
He added that the area has navigable waters and adequate space for parking and construction of office facilities.
“We shall need to create barriers and clear the place, and create barricades for security because the offices at Nsonga were also temporary. No activity will be disrupted,” he said.
According to Angalia, the district security committee has started engaging the agencies that will be affected.
Angalia said Nsunzu A and Nsunzu B were being considered because, despite their relative proximity to Well Pad 4, they are farther from residential communities.
He added that the area has navigable waters and adequate space for parking and construction of office facilities.
“We shall need to create barriers and clear the place, and create barricades for security because the offices at Nsonga were also temporary. No activity will be disrupted,” he said.
According to Angalia, the district security committee has started engaging the agencies that will be affected.
"We have started consultations, and after that the affected agencies will be relocated to the new areas," he said.
Angalia said security meetings have also been held to discuss how to implement the planned relocation.
However, the proposed relocation has raised concerns among some residents, who fear that moving the border post could affect businesses around Buhuka landing site, which has become an important commercial centre linked to the Kingfisher oil project.
Fred Okello, a resident of Nsoga, said that due to the influx of Congolese, there are many business opportunities around the area and that the relocation will affect them negatively.
“Instead of relocating the border post, the district security committee should consider increasing security personnel at the border,” he said.
The Nsonga border post is an important trade route between Uganda and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Angalia said security meetings have also been held to discuss how to implement the planned relocation.
However, the proposed relocation has raised concerns among some residents, who fear that moving the border post could affect businesses around Buhuka landing site, which has become an important commercial centre linked to the Kingfisher oil project.
Fred Okello, a resident of Nsoga, said that due to the influx of Congolese, there are many business opportunities around the area and that the relocation will affect them negatively.
“Instead of relocating the border post, the district security committee should consider increasing security personnel at the border,” he said.
The Nsonga border post is an important trade route between Uganda and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).