South Sudanese refugees in Koboko, Uganda have return home, escaping serious hunger in camps that arise due to aid cut
Despite being troubled by Conflict residents from Morobo County in Central Equatoria state, return to their Villages despites continuous confrontation between government forces and the rebels.
The residents in the recent months flee to bordering district of Koboko after the Sudan People Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA) clashed with the South Sudan Peoples Defense Forces (SSPDF) at Panyume in Morobo county.
The residents in the recent exodus back home prefer being killed by armed forces to starving to death as there is little or no food radio in refugee camps in Uganda.
On Sunday, three lorries arrived in Morobo from Busi in Uganda, carrying returnees who fled recent insecurity caused by clashes between the two-armed groups in Panyume Boma.
Speaking to the media, Charles Data Bullen, Morobo County Commissioner, Charles Data confirmed the return of the residents from Uganda.
“On Sunday, two lorries brought people from Uganda into South Sudan. They are now in Morobo County, taking shelter in churches,” said Data.
He added that over 500 people have return from Uganda citing that it is a good decision to return home and participate in Agriculture.
“The Ugandan government launched an initiative to prevent South Sudanese who cross from Panyume into Uganda from settling near the border. They believe this could allow insecurity from South Sudan to spill into Uganda” said the commissioner
The deteriorating situation in refugee camps, worsened by funding cuts that have crippled support for refugees, has prompted many to voluntarily return to Morobo.
Since April, thousands have been displaced from Waimba, Yiongu, Kendila, and Kanja.
Last week Ugandan authorities in Koboko District of West Nile region relocated South Sudanese who had sought refuge in border areas like Busia and Oraba.
A total of about 1,000 civilians were moved from the bordering communities and various resettlements within West Nile Region.
The relocation follows reported surge in incidents of killings, kidnappings, and looting of civilian property. Perpetrators of these incidents are armed groups believed to be elements of Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In-Opposition (SPLA-IO), led by Dr. Riek Machar, and National Salvation Front (NAS) militia, led by Gen. Thomas Cirilo Swaka.
Koboko District Local Council Chairperson, Asraf Mambo confirmed that many of the attacks, including killings, occurred in Busia.
He noted that the armed men originated from Panyume area in South Sudan’s Morobo County in Central Equatoria State.