John Augustine Emojong
13 May 2008
Malaba/Busia — A total of 339 Kenyan refugees who have been at Mulanda transit camp in Tororo District returned home on Friday . At least 207 were repatriated through Malaba border post while 132 went through Busia.
At least 2017 of the refugees were relocated to Kiryandongo Refugee Camp in Masindi District. The last batch left for Masindi on Thursday. 94 have remained in Uganda as urban refugees.
The refugees, who looked excited to get back home, were handed over to the Kenyan High Commissioner, Mr Japhath Getugi at Malaba Border Primary School in Teso District by Tororo Resident District Commissioner Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka.
Mr Getugi also handed over the responsibility of ensuring the safety and welfare of the refugees to the District Officer 1 of Teso District, Mr Samson Prolem. Mr Getugi said the Kenya government had set aside Shs1 billion for resettlement of refugees.
And that those whose houses were destroyed would be given building materials and a financial resettlement package. "They will also be provided with security and shelter until they have fully been resettled," Mr Getugi said.
He commended the Uganda government for the brotherly spirit exhibited, the cordial reception and care provided to the Kenyan refugees for the past four months they have been in the country.
"You came to Uganda in dire need of safety. The situation at home is now calm. And now that you are back home, forget the past and forgive those who may have wronged you in any way," RDC Hashaka said.
Mr Hashaka also commended President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga for their efforts in promoting reconciliation.
Meanwhile, as Mr Hashaka was handing over one lot of refugees at Malaba, another group of refugees who had earlier been repatriated were demonstrating at Busia border. They demanded the government to guarantee their security and resettlement packages.
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