The Minister for Home Affairs, Innocent Bashungwa, has called on immigration officers and security personnel to uphold patriotism, integrity, and professionalism in executing their duties, warning against corrupt practices that could enable illegal immigration.
Speaking today, March 4, 2025, during a working session in Karagwe District, Kagera Region, Bashungwa met with officers from the Immigration Department, the Police Force, the Prisons Service, the Fire and Rescue Service, and the National Identification Authority (NIDA).
"The ministry will closely monitor immigration officers to ensure they fulfill their responsibilities with integrity.
Those who compromise national security by facilitating illegal immigration for personal gain or bribes will face severe legal and disciplinary action," Bashungwa stated.
He emphasized that Kagera, as a border region, faces ongoing challenges with unauthorized entries from neighboring countries due to its vast and porous border.
Bashungwa also urged village and ward leaders to actively participate in preventing illegal immigration by reporting suspicious activities to the relevant authorities without bias or victimization.
Additionally, he encouraged citizens to report any misconduct by immigration officers, including unethical or unlawful behavior, to ensure all foreigners entering the country do so in compliance with the law.
Karagwe District Commissioner Julius Laiser, in his remarks, commended the government for its continued efforts to strengthen security agencies, including providing the Immigration Department in Karagwe with a new vehicle to enhance its operational capacity.