Insecurity causes displacement

Security has deteriorated in western Uganda, particularly Kabarole district, where the rebel Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have stepped up activities. Displaced people are concentrated in protective camps at night, but try to go back to cultivate their land during the day, said a December report by the UN Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Insecurity has also affected Bundibugyo and Kibaale districts, with an influx of over 80 ADF rebels moving with a large number of women and children. According to the report, activities by the ADF and the Ugandan People’s Democratic Forces (UPDF) had caused displacement of some 20,000 people. Numbers of displaced populations fluctuate, dropping as low as 5,000 in a week. Sub-counties affected included Rwimi, Rutete, Kibito, Kisomoro and Buhesi. Attempts to improve security in the affected areas are in place “but this is a slow process”, said the report.

Rebels had taken advantage of the increased movement of people during the festive season, said the OCHA report. It noted that the accompanying group of women and children with the ADF probably signified a longer stay by the rebels. The ADF may have been dislodged from their strongholds in the Rwenzoris and were seeking a more permanent refuge, said the report.