Bundibugyo – The number of Congolese refugees crossing into Uganda at Busunga border, Bundibugyo District has risen to about 2,000, officials have said.
According to Uganda Redcross spokesperson Irene Nakasiita, by Thursday evening, a total of 1, 877 people from 225 households had been registered.
“The Uganda RedCross is working alongside district leadership to support the influx of the Congolese fleeing violence into Uganda, ” Nakasiita said.
She added “By last evening, we had 225 households with a total population of 1,877 people.”
Nakasiita says that most of the refugees have relatives within Uganda so some that were registered were going into the communities to join their relatives.
“Those that stayed totaling up to 339 from 76 households were taken to Bubukwang transit center in Bundibugyo district.” Adds Nakasita.
She notes that more refugees are still coming in and the Uganda Redcross volunteers are still supporting the registration and reception at Busunga border as they await support and guidance from the district leadership on the next course of action.
The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) are said to have carried out attacks starting Wednesday in Kamango and Njapande in Nobili County leaving thousands fleeing into Uganda through Bundibugyo District.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has, however, warned local people in the area to be vigilant about the incoming Congolese refugees because some ADF rebels can easily mix up with the refugees and later on cause chaos in their area.
The area army spokesperson, Maj. Peter Mugisha, said: “The army is alert to deal with any ADF rebels who might try to infiltrate into the country under the guise of being refugees.”
This is not the first time for Congolese refugees to flee into Uganda due to rebels’ attacks in their villages. Some of the refugees stay in refugee camps while others go back when the situation improves.
