Gov''t launches new database for refugees

By Cecilia Okoth                                                      

KAMPALA - Government has launched a centralized management database to track the response to refugees while safeguarding local and national interests.         

 The web-based software dubbed Refugee Information Management System (RIMS) will also help trace refugees that no longer need relief services.

RIMS' features include registration of cases, households, prima facie cases, and individual data (addresses, photos, relatives, documents, finger print capture, property and bio data information).        

During the launch held at the Department for Refugees in Kampala, minister for relief and disaster preparedness Hillary Onek said RIMS will ensure that all asylum seekers' data is captured and used by all refugee service providers.

"It will also help in national security as the risks citizens and refugees face are the same.

“Most often people blow it out of proportion that refugees are not protected but we have actually set up a special refugee police in the camps for their protection,” he said.

According to the minister, Uganda continues to receive refugees from as far as Pakistan, which he said is a challenge as some may be working as terrorists, abusing the country's hospitality.

Onek pointed out the need to profile and screen refugees for security reasons.

"We do not want to have people who do not value their lives and can blow themselves up any time, coming into the country."

Previously, the department of refugees was using a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) registration database – ProGres – to register refugees in Uganda.

Currently, Uganda hosts a multi-ethnic group of 453,034 refugees and asylum seekers. They mainly include Burundians, Congolese, Ethiopians, Eritreans, Kenyans, Rwandese, Somalis and Sudanese.

The immigrants co-exist with nationals in the host areas where they share the infrastructures and services provided by the government, UNHCR and other agencies.          

Today, active refugee settlements include Kyaka II, Nakivale, Oruchinga, Kyangwali, Kiryandongo, Rwamwanja, Rhino Camp, Lobule, the integrated camps of Adjumani and Kampala Urban refugee population.          

Speaking on behalf of the country director of UNHCR, Esther Kiragu said Uganda proved itself as one of the most outstanding countries in Africa that has housed and provided asylum to refuges.          

She however, said registration and documentation of refugees will help the most vulnerable seek help until when they are able to return to their countries of origin.