Hundreds of refugees who fled to Bundibugyo District following rebel attacks in the Democratic Republic of Congo early this year have refused to return to their country, saying the situation back home is unpredictable.
More than 13,000 Congolese refugees crossed into the district during that time, running for dear life after the Allied Democratic Forces attacked their villages.
But to date, more than 1,000 of them have remained in Bundibugyo clustered in the camps of Busunga, Bubandi and Lamia. URN sat with some of the refugees for an account of why they are still in Uganda despite relative peace returning to their home country.
Beyichini Kisembo, one of the refugees at Busunga camp said that they have information from their friends that fighting is still ongoing in their villages and going home wouldn’t be the best option.
Joy Muhindo, another refugee said that despite being persuaded to return home by friends, she was still reluctant because her house was looted by rebels before she and the three children ran to Uganda.
To keep her family running, Muhindo says she is now doing odd jobs such as fetching water, carrying bricks to construction sites and laundry.
Tadeo Kiiza and Micah Ndyanabo both from Kamango village says they can only return to DRC if they are facilitated with food, transport, tarpaulins and medicines. Ndyanabo says Uganda is a peaceful country and he would not wish to return home anytime soon after reports of repeated fighting.
Godfrey Kato, 21 old from Rutakire village says they have not been formally informed that there is peace in Congo and it would be a risk for him to get back.
The unstable situation has also left 69-year-old-Olive Nyamakabambelle torn between staying and returning home. She recounts leaving the home area of Nobili to the sound of bombs and gunshots and would not wish to return to that.
The Town Clerk of Busunga Town Council Jackline Kobusinge says the situation has caused social problems in the area, many related to hygiene and sanitation.
She said there is likely an outbreak of diseases due to poor sanitation and flooding that has hit the area destroying most of the community toilets.
Bughendera County MP Acrobert Moses Kiiza urged the government to provide special grants to the district council to enable them to manage the refugee crisis. URN
