Five Congolese Nationals Arrested at Pakwach Over Illegal Entry

Five Congolese nationals were arrested at Pakwach checkpoint for allegedly entering Uganda illegally via unauthorized routes amid heightened Ebola-related border surveillance, and are set to be deported.

Security personnel at the Pakwach UPDF checkpoint have arrested five Congolese nationals who were reportedly travelling to Kampala after allegedly entering Uganda through unauthorized border routes, in violation of Ebola-related movement controls.

The group was intercepted in a private vehicle in Pakwach District, a major transit route linking the West Nile region to central Uganda, following a security tip-off.

Pakwach Deputy Resident District Commissioner Achile Twaibu confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects will be deported back to the Democratic Republic of Congo in line with government efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola across borders.

He said preliminary findings indicate that the five entered Uganda illegally after official border restrictions were tightened.

The arrests have raised concern among authorities about continued attempts by some travellers to bypass official screening by using porous border points between Uganda and the DRC. According to officials, several similar cases have been recorded, with dozens already intercepted and sent back.

Twaibu noted that since June 1, at least 39 Congolese nationals who entered the country illegally have been intercepted and returned.

He urged the public to cooperate with security and health teams, stressing that the measures are aimed at protecting public safety.

Health officials say some travellers are using informal routes before joining public transport or private vehicles heading to major towns, including Kampala.

Ministry of Health Ebola Incident Manager Jimmy Opigo said surveillance has been intensified across the West Nile sub-region, especially at border points, transport hubs, and major highways.

He added that health teams are working closely with security agencies and regional partners to ensure all entrants are properly screened.

Authorities continue to call on communities to avoid assisting or harbouring individuals entering through unauthorized routes, warning that such actions could undermine national efforts to contain the outbreak risk.

Security and health operations along the Uganda–DRC border remain heightened as the country maintains vigilance against the threat of cross-border Ebola transmission.