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)
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