Lutheran World Relief (LWR) has Wednesday handed over items worth over Shs 800M to Uganda Red Cross Society as a donation towards the humanitarian interventions amid the growing influx of South Sudanese refugees in Uganda. Items which include 160 bales of blankets and 220 cartons of school kits among others seek to offer relief to the displaced people.
An estimated 70,000 South Sudanese have fled conflict in their home country since July and are currently resettled in Adjumani and Yumbe camps. Red Cross reports a total of 1,000 refugees pouring into Uganda on a daily basis.
Kenneth Barigye the Country Director Lutheran World Relief told journalists that the donations were made by Lutherans living in USA in order to make refugees’ lives a bit bearable.
“We believe that this donation is timely given the influx of refugees in Northern Uganda since July. These donations come from people with big hearts who believe in sharing the little they have with those in need,” Barigye said.
Majority of these refugees are said to be women and children. Amid this influx, Red Cross says that the numbers don’t match the facilities available and calls for more humanitarian aid.
The items donated include blankets and scholastic materials like books and pens
Robert Kwesiga the Secretary General Uganda Red Cross welcomed the donation and said the items will be availed to the refugees as soon as possible. He noted that scholastic materials will support children as they enroll in schools next term while other items will help health centers.
“Many refugees who recently moved from South Sudan are camping in different settlements and they need our support. These donations will especially benefit those who recently shifted since they are in a more hard to reach area.”
Recently, some of the refugees were shifted to Bidibidi resettlement camp in Yumbe in a bid to decongest the camps in Adjumani.
Lutheran World Relief is an international NGO that focuses on sustainable development projects, disaster relief and recovery. It has worked in Uganda for over 25 years to address the root causes of poverty and increase food security.