RWAMAGANA - The Governor of Eastern Province, Dr. Ephraim Kabaija, has asked district mayors in the province to ensure more vigilance at porous borders so as to curb the smuggling of banned liquor into the country.

Addressing a provincial security meeting in Rwamagana, on Thursday, the Governor blamed crimes committed in most parts of the province on banned drugs and alcohol smuggled through the porous borders.

"I warn and actually want the mayors of Bugesera, Kayonza, Nyagatare and Kirehe districts to close all porous border posts, commonly known as panya entries. I know how trying it is, but you must give it the effort it deserves,” he said.

His remarks come amid reports of rising cases of cattle theft and rampant smuggling of drugs along border districts.

The Regional Police Commander of Eastern Province (RPC), Chief Superintendent, Gilbert Gumira, said the lack of vigilance on the part of local leaders was partly to blame for the wave of cattle thefts.

"As police we have done our part. No one can steal and transport cows from one point to another. We have established a row of checkpoints along designated points. That being the case, we call upon other stakeholders such as local leaders to play their part in ensuring that such practises are totally wiped out,” he said.

Damas Muhororo, the Mayor of Kayonza, reiterated the need for intervention by all stakeholders to curb drug trafficking.

"Statistics show that our districts are being affected by this illicit trade in drugs and Kanyanga. All are smuggled from neighbouring countries. We need a strong mechanism to combat it, because our borders are porous in nature,” he said.

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