Congolese immigrants flood Uganda

By Taddeo Bwambale

Congolese refugees are flocking Uganda in hundreds to escape clashes in the war-ravaged Democratic Republic of Congo, the minister for relief, disaster preparedness and refugees, Stephen Malinga has disclosed.

Between 100 and 150 refugees cross into Uganda every day, and over 5,600 are estimated to be living in the country, the minister said.

Addressing journalists at the Media Centre on Tuesday, Malinga said all the centres receiving the refugees were full, adding that the Government had set aside land to relocate them. 

"Government has opened up Rwanyanja in Kamwenge district to receive new refugees because all refugee centres in Nakivale, Orukinga, Kyangwali and Kiryandongo are full," he Malinga explained.

Fighting broke out in the eastern part of DR Congo last year following disputed general elections in which incumbent President Joseph Kabila was declared winner.

Over 100 people have been killed while others have fled the country to escape violence from local militias and fighters operating in parts of the country.

All the refugees coming into Uganda have been transferred either to the Nakivale and Orukinga refugee camps in southwestern Uganda.

Malinga, however, said efforts to transfer the refugees to Rwanyanja in Kamwenge district have faced strong resistance from people claiming ownership of the land.

"That is government land. Those claiming to own it are encroachers who have been supported by some politicians," he said.

The land measuring 40 square miles was initially occupied by Rwandese refugees before they returned home in the 1990s, the minister clarified.

He blamed some politicians for fanning the feud in which one resettlement officer, Alphonse Ntezirayo was reportedly killed on Sunday during a routine inspection.

Malinga said the Government had given all illegal occupants 21 days [three weeks] to vacate the land or face eviction.