Poll violence: Congolese flee to Uganda

Kasese. Congolese are now crossing the border into Uganda fearing violence following the country’s presidential election that was conducted on Sunday.
More than 50 people mostly women and children from Beni, Lubiro and Lhubiriha in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) entered Uganda on Christmas Day through Mpondwe-Lhubiriha border.
Mr Erisa Muhindo Magezi, the LCI chairperson for Kambukamabwe Village, said he has so far registered 50 Congolese in his area.
According to Mr Magezi, the number is likely to increase as many Congolese have sought refuge in relatives’ homes. “We believe many have not been registered and it is very hard to ascertain the number,” he said.
According to local authorities, on Sunday some Congolese crossed to border villages of Kisolholho, Kitholhu, Isango and Nyabugando.
“My family and I have been staying here since the violence became tense in our area,” one of the Congolese living with relatives in Kambukamabwe Cell, Mpondwe Village, Lhubiriha Town Council said.
Mr Wilson Sekalombi Agaba, the Isango Sub-county chairperson said: “These people have been staying here but they keep crossing back to DRC and returning to Uganda.”
Ms Shady Mazirone, a resident of Beni in DR Congo told Daily Monitor that she crossed to Uganda seeking safety.
Meanwhile protesters yesterday burnt the Ebola screening centre in DR Congo. Travellers are now only screened at Lbuhiriha Bridge which connects the two countries.
Mr Silvester Masereka Mapoze, the Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Town Council chairperson, said a temporary refugee camp had been established at Nyabugando Parents Primary School.
“We have established a temporary refugee camp at Nyabugando following the gunshots that were heard in the neighboring DR Congo,” he said.