Cleric lauds Adjumani for hosting refugees

The Papal Nuncio, Monsignor Michael Blume (right), tours Ayilo I Refugee Camp in Adjumani District last Thursday. PHOTO BY MARTIN OKUDI.

What you need to know:

Blessing. Papal Nuncio Msr Michael Blume says residents will be rewarded by God for sharing the limited resources with the refugees

ADJUMANI:

The Papal Nuncio to Uganda, Msgr Michael Blume, has applauded the people of Adjumani District for allowing South Sudanese refugees settle on their land.

According to the Office of the Prime Minister, Adjumani District is hosting a total of 130,000 South Sudanese refugees in 17 refugee camps.

While delivering a sermon during a Mass in Ayilo I Refugee Camp in Dzaipi Sub-county, Adjumani District last Thursday, the Papal Nuncio commended the residents for their kindness to the helpless refugees who fled their home country.

“By sharing the limited resources with the refugees, residents have shared a burden for which they will surely be rewarded by God,” Archbishop Blume said.

He was speaking during a three -day visit to Adjumani District aimed at identifying with the flock, mainly the refugees, by giving them love and comfort during this trying moment.

The Archbishop visited Alere, Boroli, Nyumanzi and Ayilo I refugee camps where he also interacted with the local authorities.
Mr Nong Mbior Nong, the chairperson of Ayilo I Refugee Camp, requested the Papal Nuncio to urge stakeholders to establish secondary and vocational training schools for the refugees.

Arua Diocese Bishop Sabino Ochan said Caritas organisations working in the refugee camps across the district will help fix some of their challenges.

“Caritas has been active in most camps. We shall regularly step in for medical support, construction of classrooms and offering non-food items,” Bishop Odoki said.

Mr Titus Jogo, the Refugees Desk officer at OPM in Adjumani, said they still face challenges in the areas of livelihood and shelter since majority of the refugees are women, children and elderly.

THE numbers

130,000
The number of South Sudanese refugees in 17 refugee camps according to the Office of the Prime Minister.