DRC refugees flood Uganda

KAMPALA: Uganda has received 1 240 new refugee arrivals from neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

A majority are fleeing arbitrary killings, rape, abductions and looting by the Mai-Mai militia and other armed opposition groups in the explosive North Kivu.

The refugees crossed via Kisoro and Kanungu, bringing the total number of new arrivals to 9 505 since mid-December.

Most crossed the crocodile-infested Lake Albert using rickety boats and others through Uganda’s south-western borders with the DRC.

Earlier this week, heavy fighting between government forces and armed opposition groups intensified in and around Beni town, in North Kivu, raising fears more civilians would flee. North Kivu has been one of the flashpoints in military conflicts in the region since 1998.

“Under the prevailing security situation, it is likely that a large number of local Congolese may flee and seek safety in Uganda, given the proximity of Beni to the Ugandan border (about 85km),” said a spokesperson of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

In recent days, the agency has reported congestion at some centres hosting refugees from the DRC.

Health and community services personnel are not sufficient for humanitarian partners to carry out community outreach activities, including awareness-raising on health issues, prevention and response to sexual and gender based-violence.

Authorities called for the speedy upgrading of new refugee reception centres to accommodate new arrivals.