Sad war tales as refugees seek safety in West Nile
Uganda Red Cross Society workers help refugees disembark from a truck at former Palorinya Warehouse Refugee Settlement Camp recently. PHOTO BY SCOVIN ICETA
West Nile- South Sudanese refugees fleeing violence have narrated how their country that is supposed to be a safe haven has instead become a war zone.
Some of the refugees who are undergoing screening in Moyo and Koboko districts told Daily Monitor on Thursday how they had lost contact with their children and relatives as they scampered for safety.
During times of insecurity, it is hard to stay together as a family. Such is the agony Ms Gloria Juwani, from Kajo-Keji county is going through. “I do not know where my husband is. I only managed to run with the children,” she says.
Since the violence broke out, the UN estimates that at least 300 people have been killed and more than 10,000 displaced.
Ms Rose Monday, another refugee, says: “Where the government army and the rebels are permanent enemies, civilians are left at the mercy of God. Our children have nothing to eat, cannot get medication or go to school.”
At least 1,258 South Sudanese refugees had crossed into Moyo District by Thursday and are being settled at former Palorinya Warehouse in Itula Sub-county. Another 1,000 have crossed into Koboko District and are being registered for settlement.
Mr Elizious Madrua, the Uganda Red Cross Society coordinator in Koboko District, says the numbers are expected to increase. However, district leaders say there is no land for settlement. The district chairman, Mr Hassan Nginya, says they are in negotiations to acquire land in Lobule Sub-county to settle some of the refugees once given the mandate.
Mr Sam Asusi, the secretary for security and refugees affairs, says at the moment, the district has offered 400 kilogrammes of Posho, 300 kilogrammes of beans and 100 litres of cooking oil, among others.
Reported by By Felix Warom Okello, Scovin Iceta and Peter Aligo
