Uganda gives Congolese refugees at border 2 days to relocate

By Hamza Kyeyune

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - Some 20,000 Congolese refugees camped at the border with Uganda have been issued a two-day ultimatum to relocate.

They have been asked to either report to the refugee transit camp or go back to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Fleeing fighting in Congo, the refugees have set up make-shift tents along the border.

Ugandan authorities say the refugees pose a security threat and are a health hazard as they have not been screened for diseases.

They have been asked to move to the Nyakabande Transit Camp, a temporary shelter facility 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the border.

"Refusal of the Congolese refugees to be relocated to the transit camp or the settlement centers and opting to camp in the border communities is not only a security threat to the community members but also poses a health threat because many of them mix up with Ugandans without being screened for Ebola and COVID-19, among many other diseases," Ssekandi Shafik, a district commissioner, told Anadolu Agency.

He added that it was difficult to manage the refugees if they do not stay in one place.

The refugees resist relocating to settlement camps in Uganda saying the living conditions are harsh there.

In May this year, Esther Anyakun, the minister of state for relief, disaster preparedness and refugees, issued a seven-day ultimatum to all Congolese refugees who were renting houses in the border towns.

Following the resumption of heavy fighting between the M23 rebels and Congolese troops in March, more than 46,000 refugees have been registered at Nyakabande.

Uganda is the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa.