HIGHLIGHTS
The number of people crossing in to Uganda at border points has decreased compared to previous weeks. Yesterday, 374 refugees were reported in Elegu Collection Point (Adjumani axis), while 469 refugees crossed in Oraba (Arua axis), 20 in Lamwo and 4 in Moyo. 864 refugees were received at Kiryandongo Reception Centre though there is a possibility that some refugees at Kiryandongo may have come from other temporary reception facilities in Uganda with their own transport.
The majority of new arrivals in West Nile yesterday arrived from Juba and Central Equatoria. Refugees from Juba report incidents of robberies, sexual assaults and killings. Other new arrivals report fighting between government and rebel forces in towns, including Yei, across Central Equatoria.
817 refugees were relocated to Bidibdi settlement, bring the total number of new arrivals residing there to 6,147. The number of people being relocated to Bidibidi is increasing, with increasing numbers of refugees requesting to be settled in the area.
945 refugees were relocated from Ocea Reception Centre to Eden village in Arua.
The availability of clean water at reception facilities remains a concern. At one of the reception centres in Pagirinya, water availability is at 9.2 litres per person per day, far below the UNHCR standard of 20 litres per person per day. Water also continue to be delivered by truck which is inefficient and expensive.
UPDATE ON SITUATION
Transit and Reception Centres
Reception facilities continue to be severely overcrowded. Yesterday, 49,069 spent the night at the various different collection points, reception centres and transit centres. 286 refugees spent the night at Elegu Collection Point, which has the capacity for 1,000 refugees. 500 refugees were found to be staying at Kuluba Collection Point following a head count, a significant decrease compared to the previous day. It is assumed that most of the people have gone to other settlements.
13,550 refugees are currently staying at Nyumanzi Transit Centre, which has the capacity to accommodate 3,500 refugees. Similarly, 2,173 refugees have been staying at Ocea Transit Centre, which has the capacity for 500 refugees with added temporary structures. Likewise, 28,755 refugees are staying at Pagirinya I and II reception centres which is far beyond the capacity of these centres. 2,941 individuals spent the night at the Kiryandongo Reception Centre, over three times higher than its capacity of 700 individuals. Efforts to increase relocations from reception facilities to the new settlement in Yumbe are ongoing.
Response Update
An Inter-Agency Emergency Health Kit has been prepared for the treatment of acute watery diarrhea, which could potentially treat up to 100 patients in the event of an outbreak.
Yesterday, 17 separated children and 15 unaccompanied children (children arriving without any accompany parents) were identified in Pagirinya settlement and referred for specialized protection assistance. The influx continues to have a significant number of children arriving in the country without one or both of their parents.
Critical Needs
- As a result of the large number of children arriving in Arua, there is a need for a play area and play material at the Reception Centre. Additional staff and resources are being deployed.