Uganda and Kenya are crucial transit points for gold exports/ Courtesy photo
Two Congolese gold businessmen have been arrested at the Busia Border while trying to cross from Uganda into Kenya with an unspecified amount of gold, according to Police sources.
The suspects including well-known trader Alex Katalama, were arrested on Wednesday, February25, 2026.
According to a 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 established yet.
According to Joint security forces investigation team, led by one Wabwire, the suspects tried to cross the Uganda-Kenya border point, where they were arrested, resulting into seizure of undisclosed amount 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,” the Police source said.
Security authorities who carried out the arrest confirmed the suspects are still held at the police detention centre in the area as investigations 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 source said.
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.
This case also unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing instability in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where armed groups like the M23 rebel movement are active.
Currently, there is no evidence linking Katalama or his associate directly to any armed group. Analysts point out that enforcement agencies in the region remain vigilant to the potential illegal gold flows being used to support non-state actors.
Observers warn against jumping into conclusions, noting that prominent business figures in the region often work within complex regulatory frameworks. Legal experts also highlight that the accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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