Health and security officials in Arua City have raised concerns over the increasing number of urban refugees moving on the streets of the city and surrounding trading centres amid fears of possible challenges in managing the Ebola Virus Disease threat.
Arua City authorities and recent population statistics indicate that the city hosts more than 23,000 refugees from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Rwanda.
Many of the urban refugees are school-going children, business operators, or individuals seeking economic opportunities outside refugee settlements.
During the release of the Ebola situational report for Arua City yesterday, officials said some urban refugees continue to move around Arua City and Koboko town with limited awareness of the risks associated with the Ebola outbreak.
Lino Andrua, the Internal Security Officer for Arua City (CISO), says security personnel have intercepted several refugees moving around urban areas without clear reasons.
He warns that continued disregard for health and security guidance could force authorities to treat cases of uncontrolled movement as a security concern. The Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Arua, Betty Otekat Akello, directed security officials to ensure that refugees found roaming in the streets of Arua City and nearby trading centres are returned to their designated areas.
By URN
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