Fleeing Congolese now over 40,000

Jul 14, 2013

The number of people fleeing fighting in the DR Congo has surged to over 40,000 according to Ugandan security. This is a big increase since an initial 18,000 people crossed into Uganda on Thursday.

By Raymond Baguma in Bundibugyo  

The number of people fleeing fighting in DR Congo has surged to over 40,000 people  according to Ugandan security. 
 
Officials put the figure at 47,500 people who have sought refuge, an increase since an initial 18,000 people crossed into Uganda on Thursday.  
 
The UN Refugee agency UNHCR however put the figure close to 70,000. (SEE STATEMENT BELOW)
 
Lt. Ninsiima Rwemijuma, the UPDF second division spokesperson in an interview with The New Vision however said that the rate at which people are fleeing and entering Uganda in the past 24 hours has reduced.
 
Richard Nsubuga, the Uganda Red Cross Society regional programmes manager for western Uganda added that other Congolese civilians had not been captured because they are with Ugandan host families who are relatives living across the border.
 
Thousands pitched camp at five Ugandan primary schools in crammed conditions within the school compounds and football fields. The schools currently providing temporary shelter are Busunga Primary School, Busoro Primary School, Butogo Primary School, Bubandi Primary School and Kalera Primary School.
 
Offiials confirmed the situation is dire at the temporary camps and the Congolese who spoke to New Vision complained that they had not received any assistance yet, and rued the absence of peace in DR Congo. But by last evening , the World Food Programme (WFP) trucks had arrived with food supplies and distribution is expected to commence today.
 
Nsubuga confirmed that the refugees immediate need is shelter, food, clean water, sanitation and medical care. "We have so far provided registration and psychosocial support.”

A baby in the camp sleeping on the ground at Bubandi primary school refugee camp.PHOTO BY ENOCK KAKANDE 
 
Fighting broke out early this week after a group of gunmen believed to be members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group raided the town of Kamango.
 
The fleeing families arrived with domestic animals and household items that included goats, chicken, saucepans.  It is in Uganda that they find a safe haven until calm is restored in their country.
 
Namusena Batalyaba, 48 who fled from Kamango where the fighting broke out, located 14 kilometres from the border with Uganda, said that gunmen believed to be ADF rebels killed the local village chief including three other people. This prompted him to flee his home.
 
Speaking through an interpreter, Catherine Kapungu, 30 said that she fled with her three children and husband in the night, and in the temporary camp in Uganda, they lack basic necessities such as soap and salt. 
 
 
 

UNHCR Uganda Press Release DRC Refugee Influx Into Bundibugyo - 14 July by The New Vision

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