By Vivian Aita & Nicholas Shawn Mugarura, CAFOMI COMMs
Clashes between militia groups that is M23 rebels and FADRC forces on the night of 27th March 2022, around villages, Chanzu, Runyonyi and Bigyera in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu province, DRC a few kilometers from the Ugandan border Bunagana caused thousands of Congolese to flee in search of refuge.
Multitudes of Congolese nationals have continued to move into Uganda majorly through Bunagana in quest for peace and protection. Most of these individuals are fraternizing with the host communities. Nonetheless, those willing to seek asylum are being transported aboard AIRD trucks to Nyakabande TC.
At the transit OPM, UNHCR, CAFOMI and other implementing partners are supporting the newly arriving asylum seekers with registration, medical care, core relief items, hot meals and protection. By closure of business yesterday, the transit had registered 2,291 persons of concern.
”We lost most of our property and also experienced hunger as we ran from our home through a crossfire.” Muhawe Françoise a 27 year old wife and mother of five who crossed into Uganda from Bunagana (DRC side) on Monday narrated.
The immediate humanitarian needs are an outpost clinic at the old Transit, food, shelter, WASH facilities, need for 50 mobilets especially at the Old site, water supply, need for additional 03 water tanks of 10000 capacity, approximately 20 water tap stands and staffing to serve the existing population, especially volunteers, there is need for additional volunteers in all sectors – registration, WASH, health, protection and community services.