South Sudan refugees riot over food, Uganda army over powers them

On Friday,

South Sudan refugees attached to Bidi Bidi settlement in Yumbe District

protested a decision by the World Food Program (WFP) to change food distribution

points which led to the delay in its distribution.

During the

protest, refugees broke into offices and vandalized property worth millions,

burnt vehicles belonging to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

(UNHCR), communication systems and different useful camp equipment.

According to refugees, the drastic change of food collection points by the WFP was not helpful as pregnant mothers, children, elderly and disabled could not make it the points.

According to the Minister for Disaster Preparedness,

Musa Ecweru, the government had to deploy UPDF officers to ensure calm returns

to the refugee camp.

“To ensure that the there is normalcy here,

they have sent the UPDF to reinforce the police. I want the country to know that the situation has normalised,

order will be restored here and there are lessons to be learnt here,” Ecweru

said.

However,

Ecweru had no kind words for WFP and the camp heads whom he accused of taking

drastic unilateral decisions that sparked off the chaos.

“We will

not allow any riot like this again, no body will be allowed to take a drastic

decision.”

The

Minister also warned that riots by refugees in Uganda will not be allowed.

Bidi Bidi is the second largest refugee camp in the world. It is home to some 270,000 refugees, most of whom have fled the violence and upheaval in South Sudan.

Courtesy Photo