UN says fighting, uncertainty in S. Sudan uproot 26,000 to Uganda

The UN refugee agency said on Friday that more than 26,000 people have fled to neighboring Uganda over uncertainty and fighting in South Sudan.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said 26,468 people have crossed into Uganda's northern region, including 24,321 in the previous six days alone since fighting erupted on July 7 between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.

"Yesterday (Thursday) an estimated 8,337 refugees crossed in to Uganda from South Sudan, a new record high since the influx began in 2016," UNHCR said in a statement received in Juba.

"An estimated 6,500 crossed in Elegu, 659 in Moyo, 156 in Lamwo and 642 in Oraba while 380 arrived in Kiryandongo Reception Centre," it said, adding that the influx continues to be characterized by a high proportion of women and children, which is more than 90%.

The statement comes after President Kiir called on his deputy to return to Juba by Sunday to take part in the implementation of a peace deal signed in August 2015.

Machar fled his base in Juba after more than four days of heavy fighting between his forces and those loyal to Kiir, leaving the peace pact in the balance.

The security situation has been unstable in Juba and elsewhere since the recent fighting between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) loyal to Kiir and the SPLA in Opposition backing Machar.

According to UNHCR, new arrivals in Adjumani report continued fighting between forces loyal to President Kiir and those loyal to Machar.

"There are reports that armed gunmen continue to loot properties, forcibly recruit boys and young men, and murder civilians in Magwi," it said.

Some 272 people, including 33 civilians, have been killed and at least 36,000 civilians displaced.

The UN refugee agency said the influx is severely stretching the capacity of collection points, transit centres and reception centres, noting that Elegu collection point is full to the extent that it is not possible to conduct a head count.

"New arrivals figures in Elegu are based on an analysis of trends throughout the day. On Wednesday night, more than 7,000 people slept at Elegu collection point, significantly beyond its 1,000-person capacity," it said. Enditem