Authorities from South Sudan and Uganda have identified the escalating insecurity along the Kaya border as a direct result of multiple identifications and citizenship within the two countries.
The ongoing security concerns encompass gun robberies, thefts, and burglaries plaguing Koboko town in Uganda and Kaya town in South Sudan.
Law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border are struggling to combat these criminal activities due to the utilization of porous borders by offenders to evade capture.
The Executive Director of Morobu County in South Sudan, Mr. Bosco Wani, highlighted the necessity of a joint effort between the two nations to tackle this menace.
He stated, “We have our brothers along these borders who cross to work in South Sudan with Ugandan identities and later claim to be South Sudanese when faced with problems. When they are caught, they escape back to Uganda, asserting their Ugandan citizenship.”
Mr. Wani proposed a robust identification system at the border, managed by local authorities, which would involve granting permits to travelers from both countries to facilitate effective tracking.
However, Koboko Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Emmy Mitala, expressed the complexity of the situation, primarily due to the district’s geographical location and numerous porous entry points.
Some criminal groups exploit the guise of being South Sudanese refugees, adding an additional layer of complexity to the situation.
South Sudan Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Simon Deng, called upon South Sudanese refugees in Uganda to maintain a harmonious co-existence with Ugandan citizens.
He emphasized the shared history and the need to overcome the colonial boundaries that have divided the two nations.
By xamse
October 12, 2023
