Atleast 33 South Sudanese nationals have crossed over into Uganda since fresh fighting broke out in the South Sudanese capital Juba, police has said.
Speaking in a phone interview from Elegu border post in Amuru district, Wilson Kwanya, the Aswa region police commander told Acholi Times that Ugandan authorities had registered 33 South Sudanese nationals who have crossed into the country since Friday last week when fighting broke out.
Fresh fighting broke out between forces loyal to South Sudan President Salva Kiir and the country’s Vice President Riek Machar on Friday last week.
Five years ago South Sudan’s attainment of independence from Sudan was greeted with euphoria. But the young nation has since then been plagued with conflicts.
Aswa region police commander Kwanya said most of the 33 South Sudanese entered Uganda on Sunday. The refugees, the police commandeered said, are being sent to Pakele refugee centre in Adjumani district.
With the security situation in South Sudan uncertain, more South Sudanese are expected to flee into Uganda.
Uganda authorities are screening all the South Sudanese refugees to ensure that they don’t enter in with arms in Uganda. After decades of war, South Sudan is flooded with weapons.
The Aswa region police commander asked residents in the border areas to be vigilant and refer any South Sudanese who illegally enter into Uganda to security.
Traffic flow from Uganda to South Sudan and from South Sudan to Uganda has ground to a halt. The police commander said this is because Uganda authorities want to maintain security at the border.
Reports indicate that more than 200 people have been killed since fighting broke out in South Sudan last week.
Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs said on Twitter on Monday afternoon that South Sudan was hesitant on issuing entry visas in to the country. ‘‘Our counterparts on the S. Sudan border are hesitant to issue entry visas to the country. We advise that you postpone your intended trip there,’’ the tweet said.
