Uganda temporarily opens part of border to refugees

By Hamza Kyeyune

KAMPALA (AA) - Uganda temporarily opened parts of its border Wednesday with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to allow refugees fleeing violence.

Two border crossings were opened and will remain open for three days to allow refugees to cross into Uganda.

At least 3,000 people fled the DRC in May, following intercommunal violence and have been stuck in a no-man's land for more than a month because Uganda closed its borders in March to control the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Health spokeswoman Emma Ainebyoona said all refugees who are accepted into Uganda will undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine at an isolation center before being settled.

Uganda currently has 893 diagnosed COVID-19 cases with 52 recorded from refugees.

Thousands of Ugandans were trapped when borders closed but the government has since allowed some to enter with strict guidelines from its health ministry.