By Salim Kabonge and Sarah Mbabazi
A 12 man delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) earlier this week held a security meeting with the Kisoro district security committee to review and strengthen gaps in managing congolese refugees fleeing into Uganda.
Fighting in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo between rebel groups and Government forces that started back in March 2022 has seen a cumulative total of persons fleeing into Kisoro district reach 27,634.
The Congolese security team led by Bosco Mugalu Sadik met with their Ugandan counterparts led by Kisoro Resident District Commissioner Hajji Shafiq Sekandi.
During the meeting, it was agreed that all Congolese still living among host communities must move to the Nyakabande Transit camp.
It was also agreed that all Congolese at the camp need to make a decision of either returning home or going to the settlement camps where Government of Uganda can adequately secure their lives with dignity.
Kisoro RDC Shafiq Sekandi said the Congolese Government should provide enough security for all Congolese who decide to return home.
According to Sekandi, asylum seekers who decide to break the law while in Uganda by stealing, fighting or doing other heinous acts will be arrested and prosecuted using Ugandan laws.
The two committes also agreed that all animals crossing into Uganda via Bunagana will kept separately from households to prevent any outbreak of disease.
Camp sources say, one suspect of monkey pox was identified and isolated at Kisoro hospital.
A sample has been picked and taken to CPHIL, awaiting results.
The next cross border meeting is scheduled to take place next week in Eastern DRC.
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