In May 2020, amidst the corona pandemic, Uganda reopened its borders for 3 days, to provide refuge to the asylum seekers fleeing the fresh fighting in DRC. They were temporarily settled in Zombo district, pending relocation to Imvepi refugee settlement.
Between 6-8 August 2020, the Congolese Asylum seekers were transported from Zombo district to Imvepi Reception Centre, from where they would be resettled in Imvepi refugee settlement - Terego District. This was done following a communication from the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees requiring immediate action. A total of 338 households/892 individuals were received at the Reception Centre.
Oxfam received funding from European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid to the tune of €100,000 to implement an integrated WASH intervention targeting the DRC asylum seekers. The 6 months project is aimed at meeting the immediate WASH and protection needs of the 892 persons of concern, and reducing the vulnerability of refugee women, girls, boys, men to public health risks. With the spread of coronavirus, Oxfam has adapted its humanitarian aid projects, including in the EU funded response, to the new challenges by creating awareness of the virus, and promoting health and hygiene measures.