Uganda appeals for help over Congo refugees

By Raymond Baguma

Uganda needs assistance to support the Congolese refugees who have fled conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, international affairs state minister Henry Okello Oryem has said.

“We need support to reduce on the pressure that they are putting on the facilities and social services in Uganda. We have so far received over 114,000 refugees,” said Oryem.

He expressed concern that the armed conflict in eastern Congo may lead to violation of territorial integrity, abuse of women and children’s rights as well as use of child soldiers.

Oryem was on Tuesday briefing foreign diplomats resident in Uganda on the outcome of the recent summit of presidents from member states of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.

He said the summit discussed cessation of hostilities and diplomatic efforts, deploying and financing the neutral international force, setting up a joint verification mechanism and a humanitarian trust fund.

Oryem said Uganda will co-ordinate the request to the African Union Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council mandate on the neutral international force.