Uganda Admits Goma Refugees

Darious Magara in Kabale and Anne MugisaHundreds of Congolese fleeing the devastating volcanic eruption in Goma, DR Congo, were yesterday allowed into Uganda through the border towns of Katuna in Kabale and Kyanika in Kisoro.About 100 refugees were allowed into Uganda through Katuna, 22 km from Kabale town on grounds that they continue to Butembo and Beni in the Congo. They are expected to cross into Congo through Ishasha in Kanungu district.Katuna lies between Uganda and Rwanda while Kyanika lies between Uganda and Congo.The Kabale RPC, Lt. James Mwesigye, said they allowed the Congolese into the country after consultations with Kampala. He said the disaster victims were made to temporarily settle at Kamuganguzi Primary School awaiting assistance from the UN and other bodies.Uganda’s immigrations Public Relations Officer, Robert Kanuma, yesterday said Uganda did not close its borders to the Congolese who were fleeing the volcanic lava inferno in Goma.He said only nine people were refused entry because of security reasons but others were allowed in after proper identification. Kisoro district boss John Semafala said the Congolese allowed in through Kyanika, at Nyakabanda camp would be resettled.Ends