Hundreds of South Sudanese nationals are reportedly fleeing into Uganda following a biting famine that has hit several states in South Sudan.
At least 23 South Sudanese from Ikotos County in Imatong State on Saturday crossed into Lamwo District through Madi Opei Border station where they are being kept by immigration officials.
Officials in Lamwo estimate that close to 500 South Sudanese are suspected to have illegally entered into Uganda through Madi Opei Border fleeing from hunger since March this year.
Mr Charles Obong Okwera the LCIII Chairperson Madi Opei Sub-county told Acholi Times in a telephone interview on Tuesday that the influx of the South Sudanese seeking food in the district is overwhelming.
“We have 23 people comprising of children, men and women who reported at the immigration offices and made it officially known they escaped famine from their country. They are amongst hundreds of others who don’t have anything to eat and want humanitarian agents to help them,” Mr Okwera said.
According to Mr Okwera, at least 60 south Sudanese cross into Lamwo district every day to barter their cattle for sorghum, millet and beans (their staple food) while those with nothing to barter have now decided to turn their eyes on Ugandan government.
Mr Okwera said that Ugandan traders who are amongst the biggest suppliers of food in Ikwotos County withdrew their supplies after they were earlier last month attacked by armed elements.
Lamwo Resident District Commissioner Mr Jonathan Rutabingwa confirmed the development and noted that the district has accordingly informed United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and World Food Programme of the ongoing situation.
Mr Rutabingwa further said that the food scarcity in South Sudan has been by insecurity which forced locals to abandon farming and the devaluation of the South Sudan currency which has left many unable to buy food.
Last year, South Sudan government devalued its currency by 84 percent in a bid to allow the pound trade freely.
“Most of the areas affected are not heavy farmers but people who have the money to buy food, however when the money was devalued, money became scarce and as a result people fail to afford buying food forcing them to flee their homes,” Mr Rutabinwa said.
Rise in livestock theft
According to Mr Rutabingwa, the famine scourge in South Sudan has forced rustlers to resort to looting livestock from many villages in Lamwo district.
He said at least 200 goats and 20 heads of cows have been looted from Agoro Sub-county between March 18 to date by cattle rustlers from Ikwotos County, Imotong state adding that security officials only managed to get back seven of the cows looted.
“We are monitoring the situation at the moment. We have tasked security personnel at Madi Opei border station to scrutinize those entering to avoid criminals taking opportunity to enter into Uganda,” Mr Rutabingwa said.
Capt Salvatore Abdullah Lorisamoi, the Commissioner of Ikotos County acknowledged of the hunger in his area saying 1,500 people have so far been directly affected by the food shortage.
He said they are calling on humanitarian agencies to rescue their people who are on the verge of dying from hunger.
