Police in Kisoro on Wednesday arrested 150 foreign nationals in a joint operation against illegal immigrants, who enter the country through Bunagana, Chanika and other entry points.
At least 78 of the people arrested were found to be Congolese while 72 are from Rwanda.
Sixty three of the illegal immigrants were deported immediately while 87 were on Wednesday produced in court, where they pleaded guilty to illegal entry before Grade One Magistrate, Prossy Katushabe.
Katushabe says keeping them in custody could cost government to spend a lot of money in feeding them and besides they lack spaces in the prisons.
The joint operation was mounted by the police and other security agencies after reports of increasing cases illegal immigrants at the border points. Acording to police sources, the operation followed reports that Rwandan and Congolese nationals were traveling at night through Bunagana and Chanika.
Ahmed Doka, the Kisoro Resident District Commissioner told URN reporter that the issue of illegal entry in the country has a major challenge as the Ugandan borders are open for all.
Doka said residents have been complaining about foreign nationals, who move in big numbers and beat 24 hour customs security. Residents also said the illegal immigrants are not only putting constraints on local social services but are violent.
Allan Tumwizere, a local businessman who regularly travels to Kampala by public means told URN that these people use buses at night. He says others don’t reach Kampala.
Reuben Wasiima, the Kisoro District Police Commander told URN the operations would continue until illegal entry is checked. He says they have discovered that the foreigners come in large numbers on market days, when they easily mix up with the crowds and pass unnoticed.
Majority of the Rwandans, who hail from the districts of Ruhengeri, Musanze, Munaga, Burera, Muguga, and Kazinzi told URN that they are looking for petty jobs in Uganda.
Majority of the Congolese are business people who are looking for a place to invest their money until Congo is stable.
The Congolese were from Goma, South Kivu, North Kivu and Rutshuru.
The operation comes at a time when DR Congo asylum seekers are running to Uganda through Nyabwishenya Sub County in Kisoro district.
