Over 100 DRC refugees cross to Zombo

PIC: Refugees from congo in Zombo district (Credit: Benedict okethwengu)

ZOMBO - Over 100 refugees from DR Congo have crossed to Zombo on Sunday following an outbreak of tribal clashes.

The tribal clashes between the Lendu and Bagegere in areas of Muvaramu, Gobu and Jo in Bunia district in DR Congo sparked off in mid-December last year, forcing thousands, mostly women, children and the elderly, into Uganda.

John Urwiny, the Zombo district chairperson, told New Vision that the refugees started arriving Sunday morning.

"We received over 100 refugees from DR Congo, and more are on the way coming"Urwiny said.

He said the refugees have entered  through the the porous border of Padei in Abanga sub-county.

Urwiny talking to refugees and residents in an inpromptu meeting (Credit: Benedict okethwengu)

Urwiny  said  most of the refugees are being hosted at the town council hall, while others have scattered within the host community.

According to Urwiny some of the  refugees are being hosted by their relatives in the district.

Urwiny noted that efforts are being made to ensure that all refugees who are with their relatives are vetted and registered.

He added that a crisis security meeting would be called on Monday to help forged away of dealing with the challenge.

Efforts to speak to Isaac Lulaba, the Zombo resident district commissioner, proved futile.

Urwiny  called on residents to welcome the refugees and report them by taking them to authorities as soon as they arrive.