Uganda and Congo to jointly fight car theft

Aru, DR Congo
Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have agreed to coordinate military efforts to fight rising car theft across the common border.

DR Congo has of recent become a major destination and market for vehicles stolen from Uganda, according to security officials. The agreement was made during a joint security meeting at Aru Town in DR Congo on Wednesday.

Arua District Resident Commissioner Ibrahim Abiriga said security personnel in DR Congo should start scrutinising people who enter their country with goods.

“It is unfortunate that some Congolese officers are also engaged in car theft,” Mr Abiriga told the meeting.

Security agents from both countries agreed that a 24-hour border surveillance should start.

Joint operations
Since the beginning of the year, eight cars that were stolen from Uganda have been recovered in DR Congo.

Last year, over 30 cars stolen from Uganda were recovered in the country in a joint operation by Uganda and DR Congo security officials.

During the meeting, the District Commissioner for Ituri Region, in DR Congo, Mr Pierre Bakoyi, said Congolese army officials proved guilty of stealing cars would be expelled from the Force.