thousands crossed to Uganda fleeing from S.Sudan fighting

Authorities in Uganda’s Koboko District say people from the neighbouring South Sudan’s Morobo County in Central Equatoria are fleeing, as Uganda has intensified its security at the border with South Sudan amid escalating tensions between the South Sudan government forces and opposition groups.

Uganda’s Daily Monitor reports that among those relocated to refugee settlements or back to their countries of origin are individuals without clear identification.

Mr Emmy Mitala, the Koboko Residence District Commissioner (RDC), says there have been cases of Ugandans being abducted, robbed, and killed by armed individuals crossing from South Sudan.

So far, two Ugandans have been confirmed killed, with others unaccounted for, and nearly 20 abducted by South Sudanese armed groups who demand ransom.

Insecurity has since then intensified in Morobo County, displacing over 7000 people in dire need of humanitarian assistance.

Central Equatoria State officials on Wednesday also confirmed reports of Kaya highway vehicle attacks, killing two people in Morobo County, close to Uganda’s Koboko District.