In short
Jonathan Rutabingwa, the Lamwo Resident District Commissioner says he was informed about the fighting by Peter Lokeng, the Commissioner of Ikotos County in Eastern Equatorial State.
At least 400 South Sudanese refugees have crossed into Lamwo district following clashes between armed bandits and South Sudan People's Liberation Army in Ikotos and Magwi Counties, in Eastern Equatorial State.
According to the refugees, the fighting broke out three days ago. Jonathan Rutabingwa, the Lamwo Resident District Commissioner says he was informed about the fighting by Peter Lokeng, the Commissioner of Ikotos County in Eastern Equatorial State.
He quotes Lokeng saying the shelling is aimed at neutralising the armed bandits following their attack on military installations in Ikotos and Magwi Counties. He says the motives of the attacks are still unknown and civilians fear it might escalate into another civil war. There have been no immediate reports of casualties. Rutabingwa told Uganda Radio Network from Madi Opei border point that the refugees are entering with mattresses, water containers and personal effects.
He says some of the refugees dispersed in disarray are being expected in Kaabong district. Rutabingwa, who heads security in Lamwo District says while more are still expected to arrive, all 400 refugees have been relocated from the border point to Adjumani Refugees Settlement Camp in Adjumani district by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Food Programme. According to Rutabingwa, they have tightened security at the border to prevent infiltration by wrong elements.
Mathew Ochen Akiya, the Lamwo LC V chairperson says the Office of the Prime Minister is also involved in welcoming the refugees. He says those requiring emergency treatment and food emergency are attended too before they were relocated. The fresh Influx of South Sudan refugees comes few months after a peace deal brokered by Intergovernmental Agency for Development (IGAD), ended months of fighting between former vice president turned rebel leader, Riek Machar and forces loyal to president Salva Kiir.
Troops from neighboring Uganda moved in to prevent genocide. They have since withdrawn. The conflict has been blamed for the death of hundreds of people and the displacement of thousands, some into neighboring Uganda where they remain to date.
According to the refugees, the fighting broke out three days ago. Jonathan Rutabingwa, the Lamwo Resident District Commissioner says he was informed about the fighting by Peter Lokeng, the Commissioner of Ikotos County in Eastern Equatorial State.
He quotes Lokeng saying the shelling is aimed at neutralising the armed bandits following their attack on military installations in Ikotos and Magwi Counties. He says the motives of the attacks are still unknown and civilians fear it might escalate into another civil war. There have been no immediate reports of casualties. Rutabingwa told Uganda Radio Network from Madi Opei border point that the refugees are entering with mattresses, water containers and personal effects.
He says some of the refugees dispersed in disarray are being expected in Kaabong district. Rutabingwa, who heads security in Lamwo District says while more are still expected to arrive, all 400 refugees have been relocated from the border point to Adjumani Refugees Settlement Camp in Adjumani district by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Food Programme. According to Rutabingwa, they have tightened security at the border to prevent infiltration by wrong elements.
Mathew Ochen Akiya, the Lamwo LC V chairperson says the Office of the Prime Minister is also involved in welcoming the refugees. He says those requiring emergency treatment and food emergency are attended too before they were relocated. The fresh Influx of South Sudan refugees comes few months after a peace deal brokered by Intergovernmental Agency for Development (IGAD), ended months of fighting between former vice president turned rebel leader, Riek Machar and forces loyal to president Salva Kiir.
Troops from neighboring Uganda moved in to prevent genocide. They have since withdrawn. The conflict has been blamed for the death of hundreds of people and the displacement of thousands, some into neighboring Uganda where they remain to date.
