SMUGGLING OF COCOA AND COFFEE FROM DR CONGO RAISES CONCERN IN KASESE

The smuggling of cocoa and coffee from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has raised concerns among leaders in Bukonzo West, Kasese.

"We are concerned about the increasing smuggling of cocoa and coffee from DR Congo," said Paddy Muhindo, LC III Chairperson of Karambi Sub County. "Traders are using porous border points and sometimes corrupt security operatives to bring in these goods illegally." 

Mpondwe Lhubiriha Town Council, Karambi Leaders with Deputy RDC and Police Officer

Mr. Bumenze Edison, Vice Chairperson of Kathero Cell in Mpondwe Lhubiriha Town Council, warned that the illegal crossing of items could compromise national security. "This smuggling may bring in bad elements to the country, like terrorists, and it's an indicator that our country is not secure."

Mr. Bumenze Edison, Vice Chairperson of Kathero Cell in Mpondwe Lhubiriha Town Council

Nzabake Edrida, Female Counselor of Kampukamabwe Ward in Mpondwe Lhubiriha Town Council, attributed the smuggling to high tax rates. "The high taxes are pushing our traders to smuggle goods," she said. "I urge the Uganda Revenue Authority to reduce taxes and enable our traders to trade peacefully."

Nzabake Edrida, Female Counselor of Kampukamabwe Ward in Mpondwe Lhubiriha Town Council

Lt. Maate Magwara, Kasese Deputy RDC in Charge of Bukonzo County, confirmed that his office is aware of the issue. "We have been informed about the smuggling, and we have engaged the Uganda Revenue Authority to address the problem," he said.

Lt. Maate Magwara, Kasese Deputy RDC in Charge of Bukonzo County

The DR Congo is a significant exporter of crops, including cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and rice, to Uganda. The trading dynamics are heavily influenced by the prevailing peace and security in the region.

Ends

Story by Jonan Mumbere 

Contact us at 

Email : jeericknews3@gmail.com 

WhatsApp : +256766684141

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kasese Catholic Diocese Permitted to Run Mt. St. Mary’s College of Health Sciences.

Image
Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Health has accredited Kasese Catholic Diocese to run Mt. St. Mary’s College of Health Sciences in a move to improve healthcare in the country. The institution that will run under Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital is meant to produce health workers who are God fearing and dedicated to their services. Mr. Joseph Kule Nzukwa, the Chairperson for the Governing Council for the institution explain that the government positively responded to their application for running a college at the diocesan headquarters. "We received the license from the Government of Uganda on August 06 this year, which will enable us carry out out activities smoothly" Nzukwa explain Mr. Joseph Nzukwa Chairperson for the Governing Council for the institution. He reveal that the college will however for the beginning start with 02 courses including nursing and midwifery and later add others in the near future.  Nzukwa add that the establishment of a health training facility i...
Read more

Kasese Mourns : Senior Four Candidate Dies at Bwera SS

Image
The deceased is identified as Nabasire Sulaina Index Number U0436/200 has been studying at Bwera Secondary School.  She passed away suddenly last night. The student, had sat for two UNEB papers exams just yesterday, was rushed to Bwera Hospital after experiencing terminal agitation but unfortunately died upon arrival. Nyiraneza Grace, Sulaina's mother "The news of Sulaina's passing has left us in shock and disbelief. She was a bright and dedicated student who had a promising future ahead of her." - Bwambale Amos, teacher and patron of student leaders Bwambale Amos, teacher and patron of student leaders "We are devastated by the loss of our dear student. Sulaina was a friendly and compassionate individual who was loved by all who knew her." - Masereka Dickson, school head prefect Masereka Dickson, school head prefect "I am overwhelmed with grief. My daughter was full of dreams and aspirations. She wanted to become a doctor and make a difference in the wo...
Read more

Arinitwe Brain, Tibesingwa Milton and Masika Eva Leads Kasese District In Tusker Lite Mt.Rwenzori International Marathon 2024.

Image
Arinitwe Brain from Katadoba in Kasese Municipality finished in 7th position in 21KM race. However most of athletes' positions were not disclosed to our reporter. Some of Kasese Runners   21Km Men's Category 1.Arinitwe Brain  2.Kinyamunyo Erikana 3.Kajura Gerlad 21KM women Category 1st Biira Jovia 2nd Kabugho Juliet 3rd. Nzyabake Fai Arinitwe Brian  The host has be struggling for the last editions of Mt Rwenzori Marathon but this edition they 100 athletes took part. Francis Mugisha Kithulha the Executive Director of Kithulha Care Initiative who played a big role in preparation of Kasese Municipality Runners urges sponsor to consider local runners as a way of motivation. " I request sponsors to at least plan some prizes for local runners in the next edition, even if they are not been able to perform better" Kithulha says Mr. Kithulha Francis- Executive Director of Kithulha Care Initiative   Peter Ogwang the Minister of State for Sports in Ugandan pledges his commitmen...
Read more