By Alex Gahima and Joshua Niyonshima
Local authorities managing the Congolese influx at Nyakabande transit and holding camp in Kisoro district have said they need urgent support as renewed fighting in Eastern DR. Congo could see numbers of fleeing people reach 30,000.
This was confirmed by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Assistant Representative- Operations Philippe Kuessan- San while addressing journalists at Bunagana border on Monday this week.
A total of 5000 Congolese crossed into Uganda via Bunagana border into Uganda following heavy fighting between M23 rebel group and Government forces.
At least 870 asylum seekers reported to Nyakabande transit camp raising the total number of people at the camp to 18,823.
Among those who fled include students sitting their final exams at senior six level. The students said, all they want is to be able to complete their exams and move on with their lives.
Locals in Bunagana town council who spoke to voice of Muhabura say a helicopter gunship supported by artillery gunfire could be seen shelling rebel bases just 1km from the border post with Bunagana.
Kuessan further revealed that since the 28th March 2022 when fighting began in eastern DR. Congo, the cumulative number of persons of Concern (POC) is 24,000.
Fighting over the weekend saw at least 2000 Congolese crossed into Uganda fleeing Political instability in the eastern DR. Congo.
“Camp authorities in Nyakabande are struggling with several gaps including WASH, shelter and other core relief items. We need urgent support both in Nyakabande as well as in Nakivale settlement camp where we have already relocated up to 4000 Congolese”, Kuessan explained
UNHCR pledges more support Kisoro
The Ex-com chairman of UNHCR Ambassador Salim Baddoura, while visiting Kisoro district last week promised that, come October this year, when the body meets to discuss priority areas and funding allocations in Geneva Switzerland, the plight of Kisoro district will be brought to the spotlight.
UNHCR Ex-com brings together all Countries in the world dealing with refugee crises.
Baddoura commended the people of Uganda for their continued generosity and kindness towards other people fleeing war and insecurity.
He noted that the situation in Kisoro does need a more critical look however he concluded by saying, as ex-com chairman, he does not have a silver bullet but will bring Kisoro up in the discussions at Geneva later this year.
“You are all aware that the world is currently experiencing a number of challenges where people are being forced out of their homes due to war. The war between Russia and Ukraine continues to capture the world’s attention but areas neighboring the Congo should not be ignored, they need our help too, Baddoura explained.
Kisoro district LCV chairperson Abel Bizimana called on Government and other implementing partners to recognize the sacrifices host communities have made.
Bizimana noted that Kisoro district is only referred to as a transit district however all refugees who pass through Kisoro receive medical care, Pyscho-social support are cleaned up and prepared for a new life elsewhere.
According to Bizimana, that takes effort and time and often leaves the host communities drained of their resources especially food and shelter.
“Kisoro district qualifies to be a beneficiary of the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP) therefore Government, consider Kisoro as a transit camp of significance”, Bizimana said
DRDIP is a project that provides development and direct income support to the poor and vulnerable within refugee hosting districts in Uganda.
DRDIP Uganda is funded by a 150 million US dollar grant and a 50 million US dollar IDA loan, approved by the World Bank.
Refugee Desk officer at the Office of Prime Minister Pauline Irene Abina says the ministry is aware of Kisoro district’s plight.
Abina noted that it is no longer sustainable to operate Nyakabande Transit camp as such, adding that communities also need to be considered because they continue to suffer when the Congolese flee into Uganda.
She noted that Government is considering Kisoro’s request to benefit from DRDIP and is likely to be considered in the second quarter of the financial year.
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