Some of the Congolese refugees who crossed into Uganda

The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) says that the heavy fighting which started in Chanzu and Runyoni near the Virunga ranges in DRC has compelled thousands to cross into Uganda. A number of people carrying their belongings are camped at the border while many more others are still trekking distances in long queues, heading towards the border.

Ismail Ndayambaje, the mayor for Bunagana town council estimates that the number of Congolese nationals camped at the Bunagana border is above 50,000. He says that they have been told that the fighting started last night with a rebel group they suspect to be M23. Sounds of gunfire can be heard about five kilometers inside DRC, an indication that fighting is still ongoing.

Ndayambaje says that by Monday morning, the rebels had already captured parts of Gisiza, Kabonero, Runyoni, and Nyarubara in the Jjomba district and were advancing to Rutshuru territory. Ndayambaje says although the number of Congolese locals is overwhelming, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and Red Red Cross Society are responding swiftly to handle the situation.

Kisoro resident district commissioner (RDC) Capt Peter Mugisha says that an overwhelming number of DRC nationals are fleeing to the district to seek refugee but did not exactly give the number. Mugisha says that apart from those camped at the Bunagana border, more are still crossing to Uganda through other porous borders.

Mugisha says that authorities have already held a meeting with UNHCR and Red Cross officials to forge all the necessary means of accommodating the affected locals at the Nyakabande Refugees Transit site. He says that Ugandan security forces have not yet fully established the details of the rebel group fighting in DR Congo.

Fresh fighting between the Congolese army and the rebels happens at a time when DRC is also battling other rebel and militia groups like Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), Mai Mai, and  Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO), a militia group commanded by Bernard Kakado and Justin Ngudjolo among others.