Uganda Boosts Border Security After Goma Prison Break.
Uganda sent more troops to its Congo border Friday after rebels emptied a prison in the captured city of Goma.
The Uganda People's Defence Force said Ugandan inmates escaped from Munzenze Prison when M23 rebels took the city Monday. Some might be fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces rebel group, said Major Kiconco Tabaro.
"We must stay alert for ADF members hiding among refugees," said Tabaro, the army's regional spokesman.
Life continues as usual in Uganda's Kisoro District near the border. Tourists visit parks, farmers tend crops, and local markets stay busy despite fighting next door.
Yet dozens of trucks sit idle at Nyakabande, waiting to enter Goma through the Cyanika crossing. Border officials stepped up checks for escaped prisoners mixed with refugees.
The M23 rebels have controlled much of Congo's North Kivu province since their uprising began in March 2022. They joined forces with former election chief Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo last August.
Congo's government blames Rwanda for backing the rebels, but both M23 and Rwanda deny this. The rebels say they fight against corruption and bias in Congo's leadership.
Tabaro urged local security teams to keep warning border communities about possible threats. The army aims to block any armed groups from entering Uganda.
Uganda sent more troops to its Congo border Friday after rebels emptied a prison in the captured city of Goma.
The Uganda People's Defence Force said Ugandan inmates escaped from Munzenze Prison when M23 rebels took the city Monday. Some might be fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces rebel group, said Major Kiconco Tabaro.
"We must stay alert for ADF members hiding among refugees," said Tabaro, the army's regional spokesman.
Life continues as usual in Uganda's Kisoro District near the border. Tourists visit parks, farmers tend crops, and local markets stay busy despite fighting next door.
Yet dozens of trucks sit idle at Nyakabande, waiting to enter Goma through the Cyanika crossing. Border officials stepped up checks for escaped prisoners mixed with refugees.
The M23 rebels have controlled much of Congo's North Kivu province since their uprising began in March 2022. They joined forces with former election chief Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo last August.
Congo's government blames Rwanda for backing the rebels, but both M23 and Rwanda deny this. The rebels say they fight against corruption and bias in Congo's leadership.
Tabaro urged local security teams to keep warning border communities about possible threats. The army aims to block any armed groups from entering Uganda.
