HIGHLIGHTS
1,051 South Sudanese refugees crossed in to Uganda yesterday, an increase compared to the 667 people that crossed the previous day. 265 people crossed using the Elegu border point (Adjumani axis), 103 in Moyo, 34 in Lamwo and 370 in Oraba (Arua axis). 279 refugees were received at Kiryandongo Reception Centre. Most new arrivals in Kiryandongo are reportedly arriving directly from their area of origin in South Sudan.
New arrivals report increased fighting between government forces and rebel troops across South Sudan, particularly Unity State. Others report left fearing a deterioration in the security situation after two police stations in Morob Kegulu and Otogo Payam were attacked. The recruitment of young men and boys in to armed groups reportedly remains widespread.
New arrivals in Arua report fighting ongoing in towns across Central Equatoria. Others were told to leave the area by armed men who claimed that heavy fighting would soon arrive. The Oraba border point has become the main entry point for new arrivals in recent days. In anticipation of further arrivals in the days ahead, additional staff and resources are being deployed and options are being explored on potentially opening up new transit and reception centres.
The Government of Uganda – Office of the Prime Minister, UNHCR and World Food Programme announced they have been forced to revision food rations to refugees in Uganda as a result of continued funding shortages. All refugees who arrived in Uganda before July 2015 will have their food rations revised by 50%, including those on cash-based transfer programmes. Refugees identified as extremely vulnerable are exempted from this.
Local government officials in Adjumani have confirmed an outbreak of cholera in Adjumani. 42 people are either suspected or confirmed as having cholera. There have been no fatalities. Most of those suffering are in reception centres in Pagirinya. Sufferers are being quarantined while they are provided with treatment. Awareness raising campaigns are being carried out through community leaders and hygiene promoters are set to begin a door to door cholera education campaign. Sanitation activities, including the testing and chlorination of water points, garbage collection, maintenance of handwashing facilities and the distribution of water guards, are being intensified. More hand-washing points and hygiene promoters are needed. Cases of watery diarrhea in Bidibidi settlement in Yumbe are being closely monitored in case of further outbreaks.
686 refugees were transferred from Adjumani and Arua to Bidibidi settlement in Yumbe, bringing the total number to have been relocated there to 8,984. Relocations have begun from Arua in order to help ease congestion at Ocea Transit Centre. In Adjumani, 846 refugees were transferred from Nyumanzi Transit Centre to Maaji III reception centre to ease congestion.
UPDATE ON SITUATION
Transit and Reception Centres
47,220 refugees are resident at different reception facilities. 247 refugees spent the night at Elegu Collection Point, which has the capacity for 1,000 refugees. 695 refugees were found to be staying at Kuluba Collection Point.
12,622 refugees are currently staying at Nyumanzi Transit Centre, which has the capacity to accommodate 3,500 refugees. Similarly, 2,341 refugees have been staying at Ocea Transit Centre, which has the capacity for 500 refugees with added temporary structures. 27,642 refugees are staying at reception centres in Pagirinya, which is far beyond their capacity.
2,827 people remain at Kiryandongo Reception Centre. They are being provided with wristbands before they are transferred to Bidibidi.
Response Update
Sexual and gender-based awareness raising campaigns continue across transit and reception centres in West Nile.
A three-day campaign on sexual and gender-based violence began on the 12th in Bidibidi. 43 members of the community took part, who will be empowered to become community workers who will work with their communities.
Operational Gaps
Water levels at Ocea Transit Centre in Arua are critically low. Currently, the provision of clean water is at 4.6 litres per person per day, far below the UNHCR emergency standard of 20 litres per person per day.
There is an urgent need to decongest reception facilities in on order to limit the possibility of further disease outbreak.
15 solar lights are needed at dormitories in Pagirinya to enhance security in the holding areas.