An estimated 3,000 Rwandans left the northern camps in late 1998 and joined the armed conflict in the DRC, while in the Republic of the Congo, several hundred Rwandan refugees in Kintele camp also took up arms. This has considerably complicated the categorization exercise and local settlement programme. However, the Government has identified several villages where these refugees could settle and a programme is being developed. The approach to this refugee group is complicated by the close links that exist between the Government and the refugees. Logistics is also a major constraint, as some areas can be reached only by a long river journey.
Security also prevents access to many areas of the country.
The majority were sheltered temporarily in the town of Kaputa, pending a transfer to a newly established camp at Mporokoso. Ongoing unrest in the DRC has triggered a new influx of some 2,000 Congolese refugees to Uganda. The return process is expected to gain momentum should the international community be successful in bringing about a much-awaited peace agreement in the autumn. It is expected that this collaboration will help bridge the gap between relief and development assistance, improve the socio-economic situation of local communities affected by repatriation, foster reconciliation and prevent new refugee outflows. Further develop coordination units with UNDP and the World Bank, and reinforce cooperation with institutions working on sustainability, such as FAO to ensure a smooth transition from the emergency phase to long-term development.