Over 60,000 Congolese flee into Uganda

Up to 60,000 refugees have fled into Uganda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after rebels belonging to the Allied Democratic Front (ADF) on Thursday attacked Kamango Town Council near the DRC-Uganda border. The refugees entered Uganda through Bundibugyo, one of World Vision's operational areas.

It is reported that people are mostly coming from the small villages of Bugando, Mulombia, Agone, Tingba and Mampopia. The majority have camped at the border primary schools of Butogo, Busuru, Kalera, Nyakasoha SDA, Busu and Bunamandi and others in community centres and churches. The above facilities are overwhelmed – they lack enough shelter, water and sanitation facilities.

The areas in Bundibugyo most affected by the refugee influx are Butogho, Kasili, Bundingoma, Busunga and Nyankonda. For photos click here

The refugees’ immediate needs are food, shelter/tarpaulins, latrines/mobilets, clean water, warm clothes for children, utensils, beddings and other non-food items. The long-term needs include land/transit camps, psychosocial support, child-friendly spaces and community sensitisation on HIV and AIDS. Around five babies have been born since the onset of the crisis. Two parents have reported the disappearance of their five children aged 3-14 years.

World Vision is set to respond in the area of child protection and education.

The ADF is a Ugandan rebel group based in the DRC that wants to bring down Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.