South Sudanese flee to Uganda

South Sudanese refugees fetch water in Dzaipi refugee camp in Adjumani district recently. PHOTO BY FELIX WAROM OKELLO

ARUA- More South Sudanese have entered Uganda fleeing fighting in Western Equatorial State over the past weeks, officials have said.

The fighting reportedly resulted from unresolved disagreements between President Salva Kiir and his former vice president Riek Machar.

President Kiir on Wednesday signed a peace deal expected to end the 20 months of fighting in the country.

Information at the Refugee Desk Office in Arua shows that 1,179 refugees have arrived since the beginning of August. The refugees are mostly women and children.

The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces 409 Brigade public relations officer, Lt Ronald Ovon, said the army was screening the refugees to prevent them from entering the country with fire arms and other weapons.