By Alex Gahima and Gerald Niyirinda
The resurgence of rebel group, M23 in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Congolese nationals, fleeing bloody conflict that rages on, in perpetuity.
In the year 2022, More than 200,000 Congolese crossed into Uganda via Bunagana Town Council, Kisoro District seeking to escape violence, insecurity and looting of goods that was being perpetuated by different armed groups operating in the vast mineral rich eastern part of the Country.
According to Uganda’s Refugee Policy, all refugees must safely be evacuated from the border area and taken to a holding or transit center for processing and later resettled in a Settlement Camp, more than 200 Kms away from the Conflict.
While at Bunagana Town Council, a significant number of Congolese Asylum Seekers preferred to remain in close proximity to their land in the DRC, despite Government’s pleas to go further inland for better management.
The events that followed can only be described as disastrous because the town council could no longer manage to meet the basic essential services of the population including supply of adequate water supply.
ICRC- NWSC Reinforce Kisoro Water Supply System.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in partnership with National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) assessed the Water Supply System in Kisoro and recommended that the water supply in Bunagana be reinforced.
A cylindrical 30m³ Water reservoir in Bunagana has been reinforced by introducing an elevated Steel Plate 150m³ water tank.
During the commissioning of the new water tank at a function in Bunagana, the ICRC Head of Operations in Uganda- Rwanda – Burundi Martin Agure OGUYA, said the organization has previously not been involved in Uganda’s water sector however the prevailing conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo deemed it necessary to come on board to offer timely support.
Agure said the ICRC focuses on promoting and strengthening the international humanitarian law and the universal humanitarian principles that include humanity, neutrality, unity, voluntary service among others.
Peter Ariho, the NWSC Area Manager for Kisoro said Bunagana Town Council has always experienced a spike in population which in turn has always resulted in high demand for water.
Ariho commended the ICRC for the additional support which he described, as the end of water woes for the people of Bunagana Town Council.
National Water and Sewerage Corporation currently has a water coverage of 70% in its area of operation.
Kisoro District Chief Administrative Officer Hajji Badru Mayanja Majwala said having adequate water supply in Bunagana Town Council should be an encouragement to all local leaders to enforce a policy to end to open defecation in the area.
A recent study by Makerere University revealed that over 90% of the people have intestinal worms as a result of eating and drinking fecal matter.
Kisoro Deputy Resident District Commissioner Robert Tukamuhebwa said ICRC is one of the few implementing partners that has managed to keep its promise to help the host communities of Kisoro and their efforts should always be remembered.
Politicians speak out.
Bunagana Town Council Mayor Ismail Ndyambaje said the water crisis during the 2022 refugee influx nearly destroyed his political career because the challenge proved insurmountable.
Ndyambaje appreciated the former RDC of Kisoro Hajji Shafiq Sekandi and the entire security teams for working closely with the people of Bunagana, ensuring that hope was never lost during those dark times.
Bufumbira South Member of Parliament Hon. Alex Niyonsaba said the border closure at Bunagana is unacceptable and needs to be re-opened.
According to Hon. Niyonsaba, traders have had to endure no trade transactions for more than one year and this has led to poverty in many homes.
State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi said it is important for the border community of Bunagana to present a written petition which can be debated on the floor of parliament to see how Bunagana Border can be re-opened.
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