{More than 60,000 Congolese nationals were on Wednesday “expelled” from the Ugandan refugee camps near the DRC border.
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The refugees fled to Bundibugyo in Ruwenzori sub-region three months ago following the fighting that broke out between suspected Allied Democratic Force rebels and Congo government forces.
According to the local Civil Society sources in Beni District, North Kivu Province, the refugees were expelled for having refused to be relocated in Kyangwali, another camp far from the border.
These refugees have been living in Bundibugyo District, Western Uganda, since July 2013 after they fled their homes in Kamango, Watalinga county, located 80 km North East of Beni.
Chief of Watalinga County Saambili Bamkoka welcomed the returnees on their arrival.
“You will need a lot of courage as you rejoin the county which is to be reconstructed. What is important for me is to see you returning back in good health,” he said.
Many of the new comers will have to sleep in the cold since clashes between the Allied Democratic Force rebels and the DRC forces left 20 villages destroyed and several farms razed.
Around 800 people including local chiefs and teachers were also kidnapped and are still missing.
Lobbyists have urged the government to reinforce the local army and enable it to restore peace and order in the area.
Daily Nation
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