Kisoro, Uganda – Refugees at Nyakabande Refugee Transit Centre in Kisoro District have urgently appealed to the government of Uganda and humanitarian organizations to prioritize the establishment of educational facilities within the centre.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!During the joint commemoration of World Refugee Day and the Day of the African Child, Sadiki Matene Emmanuel, a refugee at the centre, delivered a speech on behalf of fellow refugees, appealing to the government and development partners to support their children’s education.
Emmanuel, who holds a diploma in education from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), expressed concern that despite fleeing conflict, refugee children still have unmet educational needs.
He urged the Ugandan government and humanitarian organizations to establish schools within the transit centre, not only to educate young asylum seekers but also to provide employment opportunities for qualified refugees.
Cue in… …Emmanuel. Kiswa
The joint commemoration was held under the theme “Solidarity with Refugees: Planning and Budgeting for Child Care and Protection in Uganda,” highlighting the need for comprehensive support systems for refugee children.
Judith Kawunde from ALIGHT Organization and Susan Amono from UNHCR emphasized their commitment to supporting refugees, noting that many arrive in Kisoro traumatized after fleeing their homes due to war.
They called on the people of Kisoro to continue showing love, care, and compassion by offering food and other support.
Cue in … Kawunde and Amono vox pox. Eng
Kisoro District Assistant RDC, John Nizeyimana, acknowledged that there have been no reported criminal cases involving refugees since their arrival.
He appreciated development partners for their contributions and emphasized the need to safeguard children’s rights and welfare within the transit centre.
Cue in … Nizeyimana. Eng
Following a recent influx of over 6,000 refugees fleeing conflict in the eastern DRC in April, the number of refugees at the Nyakabande transit centre has decreased to around 1,000 due to ongoing transfers to other settlements.
About the Author
