KISORO DISTRICT OFFICIALS TO EVICT REFUGEES STAYING IN COMMUNITIES

By Byamukama Libino
KISORO

Security operatives in Kisoro district are preparing to start operations against refugees that have adamantly stayed among communities near the Uganda-Congo border effective 2nd September this year.

The decision was reached at yesterday during the Kisoro district security committee meeting with the acting commissioner for refugees in Uganda, Douglas Tumusiime in the Kisoro district council hall.
In a press briefing after the meeting, the Kisoro resident district commissioner, Hajji Shafique Ssekandi said that his office has received directives from both the Minister in charge of disaster preparedness and that of internal affairs to evict these asylum seekers.
He noted that these refugees are a threat to the country because they have started encroaching on people’s land yet they are not recognised by the Ugandan government.
He asked those interested in seeking asylum in Uganda to report to Nyakabande holding centre in the coming two days because after those days, they will be forced back into Congo or be arrested as illegal migrants.
Ssekandi noted that security is going to take over all areas occupied by refugees because they may also attract Ebola to Uganda.

He noted that only those willing to observe Ugandan laws will be allowed to stay in Uganda after registering as refugees.
He questioned the daily reception over 150 refugees as arrivals at Nyakabande holding centre, saying the UNHCR always brings back the ones who have been at the camp before.

Meanwhile, the acting commissioner for refugees in Uganda, Tumusiime Douglas said that no refugee is supposed to seek asylum less than 50 Kilometers from his or her home country. He noted that there has been a bit of reluctance to evict refugees from communities but security has now been briefed on what to do.
He advised asylum seekers that are not interested to be registered as refugees in Uganda to go back to their home country or risk being arrested.