Congolese refugees enter Uganda as UPDF clashes with ADF in DRC 

The refugees crossing into Uganda

A section of Congolese nationals are crossing into Uganda through the Busunga border point in Busunga town council, Bundibugyo district following heightened military operations at Kamango and Nobili in Democratic Republic of Congo.

"I have come to Uganda to stay with my cousin for a while as the situation calms down in DR Congo.  There are still more people displaced, but the government of DR Congo has barred them from crossing to Uganda," said Jose Kambale , a Congolese national who fled.

He said he secretly crossed the border like he has always done when he comes in to visit his relatives.

Kambale added: "We started hearing gunshots during the day as the UPDF was battling with ADF."

"They are secretly coming in to settle with their relatives and most of them are bring in children and beddings," said Cleophas Kato, the Busunga Central LCI chairperson, in Busunga town council.

"Most of them are Bakonzo and Babwisi, so they come and settle with their relatives and you can hardly tell their number," he added.

Kato said that despite the clashes in DR Congo, business is normal at the border point due to the heavy deployment by the UPDF in Busunga town council and Nyahuka town council.

He said residents were happy to see UPDF because they felt secure ahead of what is currently happening in the neighborhood.

UPDF is currently camped at Busunga Primary school, Bubandi Primary School and St Mary's Senior Secondary school.