Stop Entering the Camps with Firearms says OPM

Solomon Osakan the refugees’ desk officer made the remarks during an interview with journalists after an issue was raised by the UPDF commander that some South Sudanese refugees have crossed the borders with guns and managed to enter into the refugees’ settlements.

Solomon stated that in Uganda it is only the security officers who are allowed to hold firearms, as such, anybody coming with weapons from outside Uganda has to declare them at the border before entering the country.

“If you are carrying weapons, you are not qualified as a refugee and you will have to first undergo certain processes before you can be considered a refugee,” Solomon expressed adding that those carrying weapons into the refugees’ settlement are bringing cases of insecurity into the settlements.

“The South Sudanese refugees fled their country due to conflicts which had claimed the lives of many innocent people; many citizens are lost their lives and many are have been displaced and are living at the internally displaced people (IDP) camps while millions are in the refugees' settlement, it, therefore, beats the logic why some people would think of bringing weapons into the settlements,” Solomon wondered adding that any refugees found with the gun will face the law since no one is above the law in Uganda.

“Ugandan law is very clear on firearms; it is illegal for ordinary people to possess guns in this country.”

He further warned the refugees against wearing uniforms that belong to UPDF and South Sudan army including anything that belongs to the security officials.

‘’Once you are in the refugees’ settlement, forget about your gun and the position you were holding back in your country; you are now a refugee and must obey the law of this land,’’ he added.

He further urged all the refugees living in the Ugandan camps to follow the policies of the Office of Prime Minister and UNHCR regulations since they are under the protection of the UN law.

Regarding solutions to internal conflicts that might arise at the settlements, Solomon expressed that fighting and guns are not solutions to every matter that may arise in the community, it is therefore important to follow rules and regulations rather than taking the law into own hands.

By Gaaniko Samson Jerry