South Sudanese refugees begin voluntary return back home
The influx of refugees into west Nile sub region declined sharply by the end of December from more than 500 refugees to about 170. FILE PHOTO
What you need to know:
- Joseph Nashion, one of the refugees says those returning were motivated to go home by the improving security situation in Juba and other areas.
- David Apollo Kazungu, the Commissioner for Refugees in the Office of the Prime Minister, says they hope the situation will remain peaceful to encourage more voluntary repatriation.
Some South Sudanese refugees in large settlements in West Nile region have started returning home voluntarily.
Authorities in the settlements, say at least 71 refugees have voluntarily returned to the South Sudan capital Juba through Oraba boarder point since December last year.
Mr Solomon Osakana, the Arua District Refugee Desk Officer says, the decision by the refugees to return home follows a dramatic decline in the number of refugees seeking asylum in Uganda.
According to Mr Osakana, the last group of refugees arrived in Koboko and Yumbe districts in October last year.
The influx of refugees into west Nile sub region declined sharply by the end of December from more than 500 refugees to about 170.
Joseph Nashion, one of the refugees says those returning were motivated to go home by the improving security situation in Juba and other areas.
He says most of the refugees went and assessed the security situation before returning to inform others about the situation back home.
David Apollo Kazungu, the Commissioner for Refugees in the Office of the Prime Minister, says they hope the situation will remain peaceful to encourage more voluntary repatriation.
