18 July 2016

Home at last- Ugandans from Southern Sudan.




The Southern Sudan conflict that erupted again recently has left many Ugandans stranded and with little hope of survival.
The Uganda government managed to bring to safely thousands of its citizens yesterday Friday July 16, 2016 from the Capital Juba to Elegu in Northern Uganda but many are still left in Southern Sudan.
I witnessed the arrival of the convoy at Elegu border town. Bishop Johnson together with Dr. Katie Rhodes mobilized medical kits, 77 Cartons of water (1,848 bottles) and packets of biscuits which fed close to 2,000 people yesterday evening. The Diocesan Secretary Rev. Lumumba Patrick, together with other staff responded very fast as well. The Chairman LCV Gulu Hon Martin Ojara Mapenduzi gave an ambulance from the District. The Bishop himself was part of distributing team.
Dr. Katie and her team from St. Philips Health Centre II (Church of Uganda founded) administered treatment to hundreds of people who had different cases ranging from wounds, malaria, labour pain and shock.
We thank the Six Students of Archbishop Janani Luwum Theological College who participated in loading and offloading the items. This is preaching a practical Gospel. Following the footsteps of Jesus Christ who himself fed over 5,000 people who had come to listen to the Good news. It is our turn to preach the gospel both speech and action.
We got involved after visiting the Elegu Police post in the morning and had briefing from the Chief of Operation of the Uganda Police Asuman Mugenyi, and the Regional Police Boss Aswa Region Wilson Kwanya.
We also visited the Refugee Reception Centre and were told that after registering them, they are taken to Adjumani Refugee Camp.
Many of those who arrived yesterday were in Sudan for business purposes. At the moment movement to and from Southern Sudan is very risky according to reliable sources.
This incident has brought back the memories of the over 20 years of war in Northern Uganda.
We continue to pray for peace in Southern Sudan and the entire world