Close to 16,000 South Sudanese refugees have fled to Uganda between 16th July - 20th July alone.

Torrential rains are hampering registration efforts for new arrivals in Uganda.

Collection points, transit centres and reception centres in Uganda are severely over-stretched due to the mass influx.

On 16 June, the Day of the African Child was commemorated in all South Sudanese refugee camps in Gambella region. Children’s activities to mark the day included: songs, cultural show, football and volleyball matches.

Both refugees and members of host communities participated in activities to commemorate World Refugee Day on 20 June, which focused on promoting peaceful coexistence among refugees and between refugees and their host community. The main event in Gambella region took place at Tierkidi camp. There were also activities in the other five South Sudanese refugee camps in the region.

World Vision Ethiopia on 28 June started the handover of Kule refugee camp permanent water supply system to the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

In Tierkidi camp, various religious denominations (Presbyterian, Catholic, Nazarene, Seventh Day Adventist, and Evangelical Covenant Churches) held general “prayers for peace” in response to recent fighting in Juba. Various speakers at the event, which was held on 15 July urged compatriots to strive for peace with statements such as: “let us start peace at home; war kills our children; where there is love and forgiveness there will be no revenge and hatred etc”. Generally, refugees considered the development in Juba as a major setback to their hopes of returning home in the near future.

The Juba – Nimule road, the main road to Uganda, reportedly continues to remain obstructed by check points and road blocks.

Border restrictions on South Sudan side have been eased slightly. Vehicles continue to be prevented from crossing but those on foot are now being granted access

In Adjumani, 98% of yesterday’s 293 new arrivals were women and children under the age of 18.