Many refugees have lost several heads of cattle which are their only earthly possessions on which their life relied on and war situation also made it impossible to cultivate their food for a number of years; many others were also forced to become refugees in Uganda looking for schools for their children. Unfortunately, after Covid-19 schools in Uganda go through enormous difficulties even for their own citizens. In the last month at least 800 new refugees have arrived in Palabek Refugee Settlement in Uganda, where Salesian community share its life with the people. All the new arrivals are temporarily accommodated at the entrance of the Settlement commonly called “Reception Center”. The shelter sheds are full to the capacity and refugees have taken shelter under the roadside trees.
The refugees who are often the most vulnerable people on earth are being neglected and pushed to greater misery. While we pray and show concrete solidarity to the Ukrainians refugees, we don’t forget about the African refugees and we ask for more effective international efforts to end this decades long war in South Sudan. It is everyone’s hope that the eagerly awaiting visit of the Pope in July will bring long-awaited peace and stability to South Sudan.
