Uganda has decided to repatriate Kenyans who sought refuge in the country during the 2007 and 2008 post-election violence, the commissioner for refugees in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr Apollo Kazungu, has said.
Mr Kazungu told the daily newspaper that since there is calm in Kenya, there is no need for the refugees to stay in the country.
The refugees, numbering about 1,350, all of Kenyan origin, have been living in a camp in Kiryandogo refugee settlement in Masindi District for the last seven years.
“Their reason for fleeing was the 2007 election violence, which is no more. We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kenyan government to guide their return,” Mr Kazungu said.
“We are working with the Kenyan government and UNCHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) to repatriate them to their country,” Mr Kazungu stressed, adding that a survey has been conducted and concluded and that they (refugees) have expressed willingness to return home.
He added that 950 of them have so far registered and will be returned home on May 5.
However, Mr Patrick Mwanji, one of the refugees, said they were informed at short notice hence are unprepared to go back to Kenya.
– Daily Monitor
