Anticipating instabilities ahead of the Presidential polls Kenyans and Ugandans in Kenya reportedly started fleeing Kenya to settle in Uganda. According to the Uganda Police, the number of immigrants from Kenya had risen since last week with fears of likely chaos that might characterize the election. “Much as we do not have any specific threats, we continue to take all considerable measures to ensure that all people crossing the borders are safe and secure.” Said Asan Kasingye – Police Spokesperson. The Police, however, arrayed any fears saying no specific threats had been registered from Kenya ahead of the elections laboring the immigration storm as uncalled for. “Yesterday, we received about 30 people here in Kampala across the border and even the past one week; we have been receiving Ugandans coming back. We also have our crime intelligence on the ground to ensure those wrong elements do not use this opportunity to come to our country and cause insecurity here. Uganda welcomes any person who wishes to come to the country including refugees as you know. This will not end with those coming from Kenya in case there is a need.” Said the Police Spokesperson.
Police said over 30 immigrants were registered as fleeing Kenya to Uganda every day at a single border point along Uganda – Kenya border. The Minister of Information Frank Tumwebaze pondering on Kenya elections urged people to avoid attaching negativity to the Kenyan polls referring to the immigrants as temporary visitors to the country. “Well I don’t think they are refugees if they are crossing, they could be visiting in the spirit of East Africa, some could be having business here, some could be having even relatives here but what is important of course we are all hoping that the Kenyan election will be peaceful just like the previous one. We have enough reserves, we’ve been given that assurance by the Ministry of Energy so we are all hoping for the best. It is not good always to put in negativity ahead of being optimistic.” Said, Frank Tumwebaze – Minister of Information.
Police Spokesperson Asan Kasingye on behalf of the Force pledged to work tactically together with the UPDF towards a peaceful election in the neighboring Kenya and avoiding likely conflicts spilling over to Uganda. As the neighboring Kenya reached their final phase of preparations into their Presidential elections, hundreds of thousands of Ugandans and Kenyans in Kenya were seen crossing the border to Uganda seeking peace as the much-anticipated instability is likely to affect businesses and lives.
