The Ugandan Government will continue sensitising Rwandan refugees who remain in the country to ensure that they voluntarily repatriate, according to an official.John Paul Magezi, the head of the Refugee Protection Unit in the Ugandan Prime Minister’s Office, said more efforts were still required to extend the sensitization to all camps harbouring Rwandan refugees.Magezi was in the country accompanying a group of 10 Rwandan refugees who are on “Come and See, Go and Tell” tour.The campaign involves facilitating refugees representing others, to come to Rwanda, witness the situation firsthand before going back to tell the rest what they have seen.This current group from Uganda comprises refugees from Kyaka II settlement in Kyegegwa district in western part of Uganda where more than 1,227 Rwandans are sheltered. “We have been sensitising these refugees on voluntary repatriation and my government is committed to provide support to make sure that voluntary repatriation succeeds,” Magezi said. Uganda is home to over 16,000 Rwandan refugees, mainly in the camps of Nakivale, Kiryandongo, Kyangwari and Kyaka II all in western Uganda and Oruchinga in the south.On a recent proposal to grant the Rwandans citizenship, the Ugandan official said voluntary repatriation remain their priority.“It was just a proposal we have not even started implementing it...what we prioritise is voluntary repatriation instead of granting them citizenship,” he said.Recently, Antoine Ruvebana, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Disaster management and Refugee Affairs, said Kampala was free to grant citizenship to the refugees. “Our objective is that no Rwandan should remain a refugee. However, if a Rwandan refugee requests to stay in their host countries and are successful in their application, so be it” he said. According to the Cessation Clause, which comes into effect June 30, 2013, refugees will either voluntarily return home or apply for citizenship to stay in their host country.Joseline Uwamariya, a mother of four, is one of the refugees currently on a fact-finding trip here.She said they normally hear rumours that their property, including land were given out by the government. She noted that the trip was important to physically get the correct information.“My husband died and I’m now suffering with my children in the camp...I want to assess exactly how the government will help me and then return home immediately,” she said.She added that her sister-in-law, who stayed in Rwanda, had scared her into returning to the country, with an aim of taking over her husband’s property in Ngoma District.Jean Claude Rwahama, the Director in charge of refugee’s affairs in the ministry, assured them of their safety and the government support.“This country is for all Rwandans. Everybody is entitled to these services as long as you’re a national. If you return home you are entitled to your property there is no need to fear,” he assured the refugees.The refugees will spend four days in the country touring different areas, institutions as well as meet government officials.
