Ethnic clashes among South Sudan refugees in Uganda leave 3 dead, 6 injured

United Nations refugee agency on Sunday said three South Sudan refugees in Uganda were killed, six injured and hundreds displaced after tribal clashes erupted in Palorinya refugee settlement, in the north western district of Obongi.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Uganda said in a statement that the clashes between the different South Sudanese tribes began on July 13 over the theft of crops in Dama village.

The UNHCR said over 280 shelters were set ablaze, forcing families to flee to neighbouring primary schools, local administration offices and a police station for safety.

The refugee agency said although the clashes have stopped since last Wednesday, the situation remains tense. Thirty people have been arrested and are currently in custody at Obongi District police station, according to the statement.

"We are saddened by this tragic and senseless loss of life," said Mr Joel Boutroue, UNHCR Representative to Uganda, adding: "UNHCR presents its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased." 

The refugee agency said a temporary safe shelter was opened at Palorinya reception centre where 762 refugees displaced by the inter-community violence are receiving assistance. Nearly 80 per cent of the displaced refugees are children.

There are also ongoing reconciliation efforts and community sensitization to pave way for the return of the displaced people back into their communities, according to the statement.

"It is critical that the refugee representatives exercise strong leadership and act as ambassadors of peace and inter-community dialogue," said Mr Boutroue.

Uganda hosts over 1.4 million refugees, with South Sudanese nationals making up more than 65 per cent of the refugee population, according to UNHCR figures.