REFUGEE BURDEN: Refugees from DRC vandalize primary schools, Fill up pit latrines ,close schools in Kisoro
Kisoro CAO has expressed concern over the challenges faced that include none observance of SOPs for Covid19 and Ebola, lack of wash facilities, lack of humanitarian support, and inadequate protective gears for staff on ground.
Kimera Abdul 
In a recent report by the Chief Administrative Officer Kisoro district Rukundo Manasseh the district is currently struggling to address poor sanitation and hygiene in areas flocked by DRC refugees due to lack of washing facilities, VIP latrines, water, soap and sanitary materials which has posed an adverse impact on the boarder communities like Bunagana Town Council.
On 28th of March, over 7,000 refugees and asylum seekers flocked Bunagana border Kisoro district caused by the invasion of M23 rebels in DRC. He says this invasion has also halted operations in the community this retarding development.
According to the CAO, lack of quality accommodation that has forced asylum seekers to reside in markets and primary schools around which are not good sleeping environments.
‘’Bunagana and Kanyampiriko primary schools have temporarily closed in addition to vandalizing of school properties like desks and hand washing facilities’’ he added.
Manasseh also emphasized that there is increased pressure on Bunagana Health Centre II for first aid, water and latrine usage for the available water has been used up and pit latrines filled up at the facility.
The CAO expressed concern on the challenges faced that include none observance of SOPs for Covid19 and Ebola, lack of wash facilities, lack of humanitarian support, and inadequate protective gears for staff on ground.
In addition to that, other challenges also include lack of emergency vehicles for transporting refugees to Nyakabande transit center, lack of food and non food items, refugees refusing to be un cooperative and also creating insecurities on the border.
The CAO called upon all stakeholders for urgent support and highlighted some aspects that would be of priority for the start.
According to the CAO, emergence response from all partners to save lives is urgently required in support on food and non food items, availing shelter for both the refugees and the displaced members of the community, provision of wash facilities, provision of masks and sanitizer and deploying medical staff for first aid and other health problems.
The political instability has continuously caused influx of refugee and asylum seekers from DRC an action that has caused the increase of Congolese migrants in Uganda.
