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The security situation on the Uganda-DRC border remains calm, with tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Ishasha sector unaffected. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces confirm that tourist activities, such as gorilla tracking and wildlife viewing, are proceeding normally.

The security situation in Uganda on the Uganda-DRC border is peaceful with uninterrupted tourism activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Ishasha sector, the armed forces have revealed.

“All is well unhindered despite insecurity in the Eastern DRC. Bwindi is receiving tourists as usual and their security is guaranteed by security forces.

“Tourists continue to enjoy Gorilla tracking in the Bwindi and other activities of tourism are not affected in any way, UPDF said in the Ishasha sector, our surveillance teams reveal that tourists are seen busy viewing climbing lions, buffalos, antelopes and many other animals in Ishasha sector,” reads the latest security report from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Public Information Officer on Tuesday further reported, “We continue to monitor the situation closely with heightened vigilance from border communities and all stakeholders at all levels.

Fighting in the region has been going on for some time, now they have been advancing Northwards towards the Oriental region.

Refugees continue to enter Uganda through Kisoro and Kanungu. After the M23 militia attack, the 98 Congolese policemen with their families all totaling 114 are still in the hands of the Ugandan government.

According to Maj. Tabaro, these are safe and not under detention, with their issue being handled at a diplomatic level between the government of Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tabaro said UPDF will continue to monitor the situation closely with heightened vigilance from border communities and all stakeholders at all levels.

Tabaro continues to reassure Ugandans around the border that the situation remains calm on the Uganda side noting that there is no incursion into Ugandan territory.

He added that UPDF will continue to work with district security committees in the area to mobilize for the vigilance of border communities to avoid infiltration by negative elements.

Tabaro urged all community leaders at the border as well as civilians to keep vigilant as negative elements like ADF which has been labouring to come back into Uganda after they have destroyed their camps in East DRC may take advantage of the situation.

He said vigilance will help to deter cross-border insecurity. By weekend, over 2,040 Congolese had been received in the last 72 hours and these were from areas of Kitwiguru, Kiwanza, Binza, Kiseguro, Kiringa, Masis, Mbwenza, Walungu and Rutchuru.

Many of the registered refugees are the most vulnerable members of the Congolese communities which complicates the humanitarian situation for the border communities and the entire region.