South Sudan Refugees Arrive in Koboko

At least 85 refugees from South Sudan on Thursday entered Uganda, at the border town of Busia, seeking asylum following renewed insurgency back at home. 

Over the last five days, tension has been rising between the forces loyal to South Sudan’s first vice President, Riek Machar of SPLA-IO and President Salva Kiir of SPLM, with the latter accusing Machar of attempting to overthrow the government. Subsequently, Riek Machar has reportedly been arrested and put under house arrest. 

However, the developments in South Sudan have forced many people, especially women and children, to flee the country, and some of them arrived on Thursday in Koboko, where they were received and handed over to the RDC Emmy Mitala and the LCV Chairperson of Koboko, Ashraf Mambo.

Mitala confirmed receiving the refugees but declined to divulge any information, adding that they are still assessing and monitoring the situation.

Collins Asea, the Police Spokesperson for West Nile, confirmed the arrival of the refugees and said security has acted by closing the border at Busia to all Ugandans crossing to cultivate, graze animals or extract forest products. “We have closed the Busia border to all Ugandans crossing to South Sudan since the place is under the control of the PLA-IO, which is a target for the South Sudan Army and UPDF”, said Asea. 

According to Asea, Ugandan Intelligence teams are already on the ground monitoring the situation along the South Sudan and Uganda border.   

There are fears that the number of refugees may double in the subsequent days as the situation in South Sudan remains tense. 

Uganda is already hosting over 1500 South Sudanese and Congolese refugees in West Nile, especially in Koboko, Yumbe, Terego, Obongi, Adjumani and Madi Okollo, and this situation is likely to worsen with the influx of more refugees.