Kagera grapples with increasing numbers of illegal immigrants

KAGERA: AUTHORITIES in Kagera Region are grappling with constant increasing illegal immigrants following reports that some of them entered the country with large herds of cattle posing a security risk.

Addressing a Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) meeting recently Kagera Regional Commissioner (RC) Fatma Mwassa noted that every week, about 150 illegal immigrants were being repatriated back to their countries.

“Joint efforts are needed following reports indicating that some of them enter the country with large herds of cattle and pose a security risk. About 150 aliens were being repatriated back to their countries every week,” she said.

The region has several entry points, including Murusagamba, Kabanga and Rusumo in Ngara District, Murongo and Kaisho in Karagwe Disrict, Mutukula, Kanyigo, Kashenye and Kyaka in Missenyi District and Bugabo and Rubafu in Bukoba District.

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Commenting, Kagera Regional CCM Chairman, Mr Nazir Karamagi warned that quick action should be taken to flush them out, especially to avoid a crisis that is ongoing in a neighbouring country.

“There are reports that some of the foreigners have constructed permanent houses in the Burigi-Chato National Park. We have to take quick action to flush out the non-citizens to avoid a similar crisis being reported in a neighbouring country. This issue is of great security to our nation,” he said.

Elaborating, he said this task should involve all leaders and security organs from the grassroots, district and regional levels up the hierarchy.

Kagera Region is still reeling from the 1994 influx of refugees following a genocide in neighbouring Rwanda, where over 500,000 refugees were hosted in several camps in Ngara and Karagwe Districts.