Anger endures among South Sudan refugees in Uganda
An estimated 40,000 of these refugees fled across the frontier to Uganda, some returning to camps last used during the civil war before 2005.
With South Sudan’s independence in 2011, such clashes were meant to be history. Many of those, who found themselves in the camps, struggled to contain trauma and anger.
I thank God today, he has cared for my life in the very tragic killing.”
Riek Kai, aged 18, said he survived after running into the bush when their neighbour turned a gun on them. He said two of his friends were shot dead while trying to escape from the assailants.
I thank God today, he has cared for my life in the very tragic killing in Juba town. Many of my friends whom I use to walk with were murdered and I survived with my friend because we ran into the nearby bush,” said Kai.
He said, they crossed into Uganda thanks to friends living on the border. The two men processed their document at Nimule immigration office before entering Uganda.
Nyakuey Riam told the Niles that two of her sons were shot dead during house-to-house raids, because of bearing Nuer lines, signs of manhood on their faces. Riam said, he narrowly escaped death because she and other women hid inside their houses.
I’m in tears after my sons were assassinated. I thought when we voted for our independence in 2011 things would be all right,” said Riam.
As well as mourning those left behind, the mood among the refugees feared the worst for the future.
We are the target at the end of their political differences.”
Achol Ayuel, a 26-year-old mother fled into neighbouring Uganda. She told the Niles that the war in South Sudan will definitely force many more citizens out of country.
Killing continues nights and days based on our ethnicity. This is something we could do not expect after voting for our independence in 2011. We blame on our leaders of failing to understand each other. We are the target at the end of their political differences,” she said.
According to the United Nations the fighting, which spread across many states has displaced half million people and thousands have died since fighting erupted.
