South Sudan refugee influx increases in Nothern Uganda

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A total of 900 South Sudan Refugees crossed to Northern Uganda as of September 30th, a report from the Office of Prime Minister and United Nations Human Rights commission UNHCR has revealed.

The joint border monitoring report released on October 10th reveals a slight rise in influx of South Sudan refugees entering the country from 818 registered in August this year.

The influx was recorded from the four top entry points of Elegu in Amuru district, Ngomoromo, Awenolwi, Madi Opei and Waligo in Lamwo District.

Others are Kuluba, Oraba, Busia and Ocea in Koboko district, Gobolo, Kerwa, Keyi and Menzere in Yumbe district all bordering the volatile South Sudan.

The report indicates 306 refugees were recorded in Koboko and 278 in Yumbe districts while 191 crossed through Amuru and Lamwo registering the lowest, 125 refugees.

Average daily influx also increased from 26 in August to 30 signalling a difference of 14 percent according to the report.

Julius Kamuza, the Palabek Refugee Settlement Commandant, says that majority of those fleeing especially to Lamwo district, are adults seeking reunion with lost family members.

He notes that some are also fleeing from tribal tension back home but notes that the situation currently is not as tense as in the past.

“Some of the refugees crossing to Lamwo are fleeing small pockets of tribal tension, there is no much war that side now, some are following their relatives or even spouses especially men who come to follow their wives,” Kamuza said.

Kamuza says 29 refugees crossed over the weekend from the entry points of Ngomoromo, Waligo and Madiopei adding that they are in the process of being relocated to the settlement centres.

Lamwo District currently hosts 51,280 South Sudan refugees in the three settlement centres of Palabek Kal, Palabek Ogili and Palabek Gem.

Uganda hosts 848,203 of South Sudan refugees, out of which 27,141 crossed in the country this year alone.

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