Tribal Clashes Erupt at Refugees Settlement Camp in Uganda

Barely two weeks after 10 refugees lost their lives following violent clashes between them and the local host communities in Tika One Village at Rhino Camp Settlement in Northern Uganda, another violent has erupted in Wanyange II Village, this time around a tribal clash between the Shilluk and the Afukaya communities all from South Sudan. The clashes left two refugees critically injured.

 The incident which occurred on the night of Saturday, September 26, is said to be as a result of a Shilul girl being defiled by an Afukaya boy. This was confirmed by Mr. Silas Sebit Hillary, the Refugees Welfare Council One (RWCI) chairperson at Wanyange II village.

 According to Sebit, the clashes led to the displacement of several refugees from the two communities who spent the night in the bush. Five children were later reported missing following the scuffles and their whereabouts is yet to be known.

 He further said that several household property and other valuables were destroyed and an unknown amount of properties stolen.

 According to Sebit, one of the casualties who sustained minor injuries from the Afukaya ethnic group was rushed to O’duobu Health Centre III while the other casualty who sustained critical injury was referred to Arua Regional hospital.

 Calm has since been restored following the intervention of the security forces from Oduobu police station and the Yoro base. As such Sebit is appealing to the community living in his village to return home. He further indicated that investigation is still ongoing to ensure that the culprits are brought to book.

 Meanwhile, Agele Wilson, the LC3 Chairperson of Regbo Sub County in Madi Okollo District who corroborated the incident said that the clashes broke out when a Shilluk girl was caught making friendship with an Afukaya boy. This made Shiulk youths to mobilize and attack the boy’s clans, the Afukaya.

 “Following the incident, a team from District Police Commissioner, Office of the Prime Minister and enforcement team moved to the venue of the clashes and calmed down the situation,” Agele said adding that 13 suspects who are all refugees have been arrested and taken to Madi Okollo police station for interrogations.

 Agele said that as the government they condemned such acts and hope that a repeat of the recent ugly incident at Tika refugees’ settlement cannot be tolerated. He said that the Wanyange settlement has been a peaceful camp and should remain that way.

Both elders and leaders from the camp have all condemned the incident urging the youth not to take matters into their own hands.

 Alice Futuma, the mother of the critically injured boy who was referred to Arua Hospital told the press that the incident happened when she was in the market selling local foodstuffs to support the family.

 “Four youths attacked my son on his way home and beat him up badly. He managed to escape from their wrath when he ran to the market and was rescued by some youth,’’ she explained adding that the Shilluk mobilized themselves and attacked the Afukaya residents destroying their houses and properties.

By :Gaaniko Samson Jerry