EagleOnline understands that there is restricted entrance and no exit at Lobone and other border crossings between South Sudan and Northern Uganda.
Uganda is trying to prevent entry of refugees following fresh fighting in Juba and a new communication from Police stops Ugandans from traveling to South Sudan until the tense situation in the country is resolved.
“From Lobone, get exit stamps from South Sudan side, the Ugandan side is not accepting people without stamps. Don’t use Nimule, unless you are willing to forfeit your car to erratic soldiers,” a Ugandan blogger, Sam Agona who on Sunday crossed from South Sudan via Lobone tweeted.
“Our borders remain open except that South Sudan is not giving entry visas now,” Internal Affairs publicist Pamela Ankunda clarified on behalf of the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC).
However, unconfirmed reports say Uganda has also suspended issuance of visa to South Sudan.
Uganda’s military has been deployed to prevent the conflict in neighbouring South Sudan from spreading to its territory.
Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga announced the ban at Naguru Police Headquarters today, saying the move is aimed at protecting the lives and property of Ugandan traders as the clashes in Juba rage on.
“As a precaution, we urge all business persons and other Ugandans with plans to travel to South Sudan to cancel their plans since the situation is still tense and potentially dangerous,” Enanga said. On Sunday, Police blocked unspecified number of Ugandans and trucks from crossing into South Sudan.
While addressing the press this afternoon at Uganda Media Centre, UPDF Spokesperson Col. Paddy Ankunda did not downplay the rumors of the government of Uganda deploying its troops in South Sudan.
“If the UPDF is to deploy in South Sudan there are procedures to follow,” Paddy categorically stated. He added that, “Let there be no speculation on UPDF deployment in South Sudan.”
Ankunda is however optimistic IGAD extraordinary session will forge a way forward on the South Sudan question. “We may consider evacuating Ugandans from South Sudan if violence escalates,” Ankunda said. We are concerned about the escalating insecurity in South Sudan and Uganda is already experiencing an influx of refugees.”
More than 200 people are reported to have been killed in South Sudan since a new round of fighting broke out between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and his rival, Vice-President Riek Machar.
