Over 8,000 Congolese seek refuge in Uganda after weekend fight
Over 8,000 people displaced by fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have crossed to neighbouring Uganda seeking refuge.
The fighting broke out at the weekend between government troops and rebels.
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Uganda said on Monday that it received over 3,000 asylum seekers at the Nyakabande Transit Centre in the border district of Kisoro.
The refugee agency added that 5,451 people are temporarily occupying Bunagana Primary School, from where they will be transferred to the Transit Centre.
“The government of Uganda, UNHCR and partners are fast-tracking the relocation of all asylum seekers to settlements,” the refugee agency said.
Esther Anyakun, Uganda’s Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, said on Sunday that UN agencies and other partners had rushed to the district to offer relief support.
“According to the reports we have so far received, there are many, many refugees who have re-entered the country.
“The World Food Programme is already on the ground to offer some support,” Ms Anyakun said.
The minister added that UNHCR had dispatched a team to offer humanitarian assistance.
In March, similar fighting forced over 10,000 Congolese to flee to Uganda, according to UNHCR figures.
(Xinhua/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Insecurity: Nigeria adopts victim-centred reintegration plan to strengthen communities
The national coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj
Education
Suspension of WAEC, NECO fee hike victory for Nigerians, says Obi
“Education is a fundamental right and a public good, not a source of government revenue,” he said.
Abuja
Police arraign three over alleged murder of Abuja businessman Adimike Godwin
The court adjourned the case until September 30 for further proceedings.
World
U.S.-Iran War: Egypt, Saudi Arabia call for de-escalation, freedom of Strait of Hormuz navigation
Egypt and Saudi Arabia called for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law.
Uncategorized
Ex-South Korea president Yoon Suk Yeol jailed two years for political funding violation
Mr Suk Yeol was found guilty of illegally receiving free opinion polling services worth 270 million won ($179,800) from a political broker.
States
287 rights violations recorded in Gombe in six months: NHRC
Mr Wanshe said that out of the 287 cases received, 215 involved violations of women’s and children’s rights.
