Adonia Atuheire | Tayari News
KISORO – Security agencies in Kisoro District have intensified joint patrol operations along the Uganda–DRC border following a surge in reported kidnappings, robberies, and night attacks attributed to suspected fighters from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda.
The renewed deployment by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and other security bodies comes after residents in border communities raised alarm over increasing cross-border incursions, particularly in Nyabwishenya Sub-county, Mupaka town council, and Nkuringo Town Council.
Speaking during a security meeting held at Kamugemanyi Trading Centre on Tuesday, Lt Col. Steven Sabitti, Commander of the 35th Infantry Battalion, reassured residents that the army has both the capacity and resolve to restore calm.
“UPDF has never lacked manpower. Two UPDF soldiers have the capacity to dismantle an entire rebel camp. The moment you enter our country armed, you automatically become our enemy and a target. What we need from you is timely information,” Lt Col. Sabitti said.
Several residents shared chilling accounts of recent attacks, highlighting the growing insecurity in the area.
Rumazimisi Venant, a resident of Kigezi Village, recounted how his neighbor, 57-year-old Musekula Jack, was abducted by suspected rebels.
“We negotiated with them and finally agreed on 500,000 shillings. While in the process of handing over the ransom, we received a call that residents had found him in the forest at the border with DRC. We rushed there and found him still tied with ropes on both legs and arms behind his back. His mouth was gagged with his own shirt,” he narrated.
The victim was later rushed to hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
In a separate incident, Manirunva Valence, Chairperson of the Mupaka Town Council Business Community, described a night raid on his home.
“It was around 3am when I heard footsteps. They tried to force the door open. I hid under the bed and alerted security. When they realized I was making calls, they ran away and abandoned a magazine,” he said.
Uwimana James, a shop owner, also survived a violent roadblock attack near Kamugemanyi Trading Centre.
“I tried to dodge the roadblock but hit two armed men. Another struck me with a gun, leaving me with a deep cut. They took my money, but I managed to escape,” he explained.
The insecurity has begun to take a toll on economic activity and daily life in the area.
Veteran journalist and tourism stakeholder Ignatius Bahizi warned that the situation is discouraging investment and disrupting livelihoods.
“The current insecurity is threatening our businesses. Residents have imposed a self-curfew, avoiding movement after 7:00 pm. Even visitors who intended to support community projects have cancelled their trips due to fear,” Bahizi noted.
Local leaders echoed similar concerns, with Nyabwishenya Sub-county LCV Councillor Barihafi Ponsiano describing the region as a “forgotten enclave” in urgent need of protection.
Mupaka Town Council Mayor Ndekezi Emmanuel alleged that some attacks are aided by local collaborators.
“Some residents know these rebels and their collaborators but fear to report them. These criminals are targeting business people,” he said.
Leaders in Nkuringo Town Council also raised concerns about systemic gaps they believe may be contributing to insecurity, including alleged misuse of local administrative powers in the issuance of national identification documents.
“LC I chairpersons have too much power over citizenship recommendations. Some are compromised, allowing foreigners to acquire IDs and operate freely,” one local leader claimed.
Kisoro District Police Commander SP Edatu Cosmas urged stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies, while also calling out misconduct within the police force.
“If you find any police officer drinking in a bar instead of working, arrest him and call me. We must all take responsibility for security,” he said.
At the close of the meeting, residents were given anonymous chits to report suspected collaborators, marking a shift toward intelligence-led community policing.
Security agencies have emphasized that public cooperation will be critical in restoring stability along the border.
As operations intensify, residents remain hopeful that the increased military presence will curb the wave of attacks and restore confidence in one of Uganda’s most sensitive border regions.