Gulu district chairman Nobert Mao (left) and Nyanduga pose with displaced children

By Francis Emorut

THE commissioner for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Africa, Mukirya Nyanduga, has commended the Government for adopting a national policy on the displaced.

“I commend Uganda for adopting the national policy which contributed to the implementation of the Peace Recovery Development Plan.”

Nyanduga was making a presentation on gender and IDPs during a meeting for leaders from seven districts of northern Uganda at Acholi Inn in Gulu on Thursday. The meeting preceded the official opening of the FIDA regional offices in Gulu.

He recognised the role civil society organisations play in the promotion of human rights among refugees and IDPs in Africa.

“Civil society organisations have continued to be a source of inspiration and strength to the African Commission.”

Nyanduga said civil society organisations had earned the status of observers in the Africa Commission because of their critical role.

He criticised governments that deny refugees asylum, arguing that it was a violation of their human rights and dignity.

He cited Kenya, which recently closed its borders against the Somalis.

The refugees state minister, Musa Ecweru, said the challenge of resettling IDPs was enormous.
He appealed to FIDA to strengthen the Government’s capacity to dispense justice, law and order.