15 07 13 UNHCR (Uganda): Emergency response for influx of 66,000Congolese refugees into Bundibugyo,Western Uganda

Congolese refugees began streaming into Bubandi
Sub-County in Bundibugyo District in the early hours of Thursday, 11 July 2013
following a reported attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) on the town
of Kamango in DRC.

 

The ADF is an Islamist rebel group said to be
operating around the Rwenzori Mountains of North Kivu
in the DRC. According to media reports, the group had left Kamango Thursday
with DRC Government forces in pursuit. There is however no indication that the
refugees will immediately return to their home areas. Refugees were still
arriving on Saturday, mainly whole families with people carrying mattresses,
pots and pans, and even poultry. By mid afternoon Sunday, the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) said they had
registered 66,139people.Bundibugyo is a mountainous and densely populated area
about a seven-hour drive from the Ugandan capital Kampala. The new arrivals are being received
in five primary schools, at the sub-country headquarters and various other
sites while others are within the local communities. Most immediately shelter,
water and sanitation, and primary health care are of acute concern.

 

UNHCR Representative for Uganda, Mr
Mohammed Adar, said: “This is an extraordinarily swift and concerning influx of
refugees into an area with very limited preparedness to extend humanitarian
assistance to such a large number of people. We are however moving to
mount the initial response as quickly as

possible while preparing at the same time for
an enhanced operation”.

 

An emergency assessment mission involving the
Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), UNHCR, WFP and UNICEF took place on
Friday and emergency supplies of food, water, tents and household items began
arriving Saturday. UNHCR has sent plastic rolls for shelter construction,
plates and cups for cooked meals, and temporary latrine kits as well as soap.
Is has also assisted with fuel to move the refugees to the transit centre. An
emergency shipment of tents, blankets and mats is also being organized for
Monday.