Refugees still fleeing into northern Uganda from South Sudan

Declaration of famine in South Sudan might spark of another wave of refugees entering into northern Uganda, putting increased pressure on scarce resources in an already tough environment. Thousands of people from South Sudan, driven from their country by an on-going civil war, seek refuge in the neighbouring country Uganda.

International Aid Services (IAS) has been working in Uganda since the early 1990s, initially responding to an influx of South Sudan Refugees at that time. Ironically, it is now the same situation.

“It is sad to see history repeat itself in this region. We keep hoping for the best and doing all we can to respond. We have already seen challenges in finding water in Rhino Camp. Our hope is that efforts to provide potable water can be successful.” says Milward Mwamvani, IAS Humanitarian Coordinator.

While UNHCR had planned to settle refugees in Moyo Palorinya until May 2017, the settlement quickly passed its planned target, and Imvepi camp has had to be opened earlier than anticipated due to increasing numbers of incoming refugees.

IAS has been responding to the refugee situation in Rhino Camp. However, with the opening of Imvepi, and the needs there, IAS is now looking into extending reach to this new influx of people.

Urgent Needs that IAS will focus on

• WASH
  • The arriving refugees will need water, hygiene and sanitation services. IAS has been responding to these in Rhino Camp, and would be looking at possibilities of responding in the newly opened Imvepi.
• Shelter for Unaccompanied minors
  • Arriving UAMs normally have had challenges constructing their own shelters. IAS has supported shelter construction for these in Rhino Camp.

Facts about IAS in Uganda

• IAS began working in Uganda in 1994
• Sectors of intervention: WASH, Shelter, Inclusive Education
• Areas where IAS operates: Kampala, Pader, Katawi, Arua and refugee settlements (Rhino Camp).
• Major Donors: Sida/SMC, Läkarmissionen, ERIKS, DMCDD