BUSIA, Uganda : Two Congolese gold businessmen, including well-known trader Alex Katalama, were arrested late last night (Wednesday, feb,26), at the Busia Border while trying to cross from Uganda into Kenya with an unspecified amount of gold, according to police.
According to police source at Busia border Post, the suspects face accusations of entering Uganda illegally and attempting to cross into Kenya without permission. The identity of Katalama’s associate has not been released.
According to Joint security forces investigation team, led by one Wabwire the suspects tried to cross the Uganda-Kenya border point, where they arrested and seized with undisclosed amount of large quantity of gold.
Katalama, viewed as a significant figure in the gold trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring areas and his unidentified associate have reportedly been engaged in cross-border mineral transactions in the Great Lakes region for several years.
“Preliminary findings suggest that the two may have entered Uganda without proper immigration clearance before trying to move on to Kenya. It is unclear what specific charges will be formally filed, but officials suggest that violations of immigration and customs laws are being considered,” according to Police.
Security authorities who carried out the arrest in detention in the area confirmed the suspect are still held at the police detention centre as investigation are underway.
“For now, the two men remain in custody as security agencies investigate the circumstances around the attempted border crossing and the origin of the gold they were moving with,”.
The arrest happens amid increased scrutiny of gold movements across East Africa’s porous borders. The Great Lakes region has long served as a key area for informal and illegal gold trade routes, with gold frequently transported through various jurisdictions before reaching international markets.
Uganda and Kenya, both crucial transit points for gold exports, have put stricter checks in place, including better customs inspections and coordination between agencies.
Regional security analysts say enforcement agencies are increasingly targeting unlicensed traders and undocumented shipments as part of broader efforts to formalize the gold sector.
