Kenyan refugees in Uganda line up to collect water
THE ongoing unrest in Kenya has resulted in many families fleeing across the country's western border into Uganda, where The Salvation Army is providing assistance. International personnel have been deployed to help the work being undertaken by Ugandan Salvationists and the team is led by Captain Comfort Adepoju from Nigeria, an experienced emergency services worker.
Temporary shelter and camps have been set up in several towns and districts near the border where more than 6,000 people have been registered as refugees. Captain Adepoju says: 'It is distressing to see so many people suffering and wandering around local neighbourhoods, seeking help wherever they can find it.'
The situation is confusing and, although several organisations are seeking to provide assistance, it is apparent that some needs are still not being met. Salvation Army personnel have been assessing what specific needs there are and as a result have already supplied 300 tents, 500 charcoal burners and fuel for cooking, 200 sleeping mats and nutrition for young children.
Returning from an assessment visit to Uganda, International Emergency Service Field Operations Officer Major Mike Caffull says: 'It is clear that many people are not being catered for adequately and there are more people crossing the border nearly every day. It is vital that The Salvation Army continues its work to support those who are so needy at this time.'
A recent release of US$25,000 to the programme is being used to provide a one-month supply of basic food for 500 families. The food packs that have been put together contain maize, beans, cooking oil and salt. The Salvation Army has also been asked to provide pastoral support and food for young children at the border crossing reception centres.
The Salvation Army team in Uganda is certain that more assistance will be required as the number of refugees increases and the difficulties in Kenya continue. Further funding is being sought so that a more significant response can be planned for a longer period.
