Cattle Corridor Districts Grapple with Influx of Alleged Illegal Immigrants

Districts within Uganda’s vital cattle corridor are experiencing what local leaders describe as a worrying surge of undocumented foreigners, many of whom are reportedly engaging in cattle grazing.

Areas including Kiboga, Kyankwanzi, Nakaseke, and Nakasongola are said to be hosting a growing number of these individuals, leading to fears of increased criminality and strain on local resources.

In Kiboga District, concerns have escalated to the point where entire villages and sub-counties are reportedly occupied by these immigrants. Officials noted a rise in criminal activity, with unregistered individuals allegedly buying land for permanent settlement, making them difficult to track.

Kyankwanzi Sub-county has recorded a disturbing incident where a suspected immigrant allegedly murdered his wife and child before disappearing, highlighting the challenges posed by the lack of documentation. Allegations have also surfaced linking some immigrants to connections within government, employed on private farms.

Authorities are urging the Ministry of Internal Affairs to investigate the situation, particularly given the porous nature of the borders. In Nakaseke District, over 5,000 immigrants, believed to be from neighboring countries like Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda, are said to have settled.

Immigration officials are calling for increased vigilance from local leaders and the public to identify and report suspicious individuals. They also emphasized the need to combat corruption that facilitates the acquisition of fraudulent documents and citizenship, with ongoing sensitisation efforts aimed at local leaders.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/leaders-worry-over-influx-of-illegal-immigrants-in-cattle-corridor-5453792