South Sudanese illegal settlers in Lira worries residents

COVID-19 |

Hundreds of South Sudanese are said to be entering the country illegally and renting houses in Lira town, a move that is worrying the community and leaders.

Most of the people coming from South Sudan through Elegu border post, mainly truck drivers are testing positive for COVID-19.

In Lira, four community members who returned from South Sudan have tested positive for COVID-19 sending waves of fear in the sub-region.

While briefing the State Minister for ICT and National Guidance Peter Ogwang who was on a visit to Lira on Monday, the RDC Milton Odongo said there is influx of South Sudanese who are coming to rent houses in Lira.

Odongo says because of economic hardship, many of the people from the sub-region are crisscrossing the border (between Uganda and South Sudan) for trade and this is a big challenge.

Ogwang noted that Lira is among the high-risk areas since it lies along the great north road.

He reiterated President Yoweri Museveni's remarks that there is no way trucks can be stopped from moving across the border for purposes of trade.

Ogwang said there is lot of trade between Uganda and South Sudan but the borders have been closed to passengers.