The influx of South Sudanese refugees in Lamwo District is overwhelming the police. The refugees fleeing hunger and fresh hostilities are resettled in Paluda camp located in Palabek Ogili sub-county. Julius Kawuma, the Resettlement Camp Commandant under the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) says that at least 500 South Sudanese refugees arrive in the district through Apiritii and Ngomoromo reception centres every week. Kawuma explains that the Paluda resettlement camp harbors over 41,000 refugees and the number is expected to escalade which requires adequate security to ensure peace and stability of both refugees and host community. Residents have always protested against the inadequate police personnel in the camps, which has given rise to criminal activities. The Lamwo DPC, Moses Eliau Osega says that the resettlement camp is being manned by only 11 police officers, which implies that each police officer serves over 3,700 refugees.
However, Patrick Jimmy Okema, the Aswa River RPC says that many officers retire whereas others die in line of duty and that recruitment is hampered by resource limitations. Lamwo RDC James Nabinson Kidega, disclosed cases of refugees turning rowdy, looting from their hosts and merchants. Some sub-counties in the district do not have any police post given the manpower shortage among the police department. However, Kidega says that over 300 recently recruited Local Defense Unit (LDUs) will be deployed to reinforce the police. For comments, call, WhatsApp or text us on 0704142939.
