Palabek settlement officially open to host refugees

It was a deserted bush, but not anymore. A lifeless empty space without a single shelter but now, Palabek reception centre is filled with 12 communal shelters with a standard capacity of 200 people for each. A once quite dark place is now filled with life, endless activities, human laughter and sounds. These sounds of happiness don’t come from any Ugandan in their mother country, but, grateful and hopeful South Sudanese refugees.  Some, young adults, others elderly and many children as well as expectant mothers who were relocated to the reception centre from Ngomoromo collection point. This comes after the official opening of Plabek reception centre and settlement in Lamwo district, Northern Uganda.  

Could they be happy about having a peaceful place they call home? Of course, as Ayella a mother of two recounts that she didn’t think she would make it to the end of the tunnel; ‘’I trekked 42 kilometres with my little children without any food or water to Ngomoromo collection point. Despite not being certain of what awaited us, I was sure we would be safe here-Uganda. I am so happy that we have more than peace here. We have clean water, shelter and we have received medical assistance''.

Just like Ayella, many of the refugees in the newest settlement - Palabek seem happy and hopeful. Yahyah Okot, one of them, confirmed that their hearts were at ease since they were away from bullet sounds, arsons and uncertainties all threatening their right to life.

As thousands of them arrived at the reception yesterday-12/04/2017, they were guided through an organised registration process. ‘’From the busses, we direct them to a waiting shade where those with luggage are directed to a storage facility for luggage registration and storage,’’ William Onen, LWF Lamwo Team Leader highlighted. He further added that all refugees at the reception center are registered and medically screened as they await kitchen sets and core relief items. ‘’

Refugees are given three hot meals a day by LWF in partnership with World Food Programme and Uganda Refugee Disaster Management Council to satisfy their hunger. They also get access to clean water to quench their thirst and also clean up.

At the reception centre, refugees will only spend 24 hours then get established in the settlement on plots of land offered by the office of the prime minister. Each of the refugees is entitled to a 30 x 30 feet plot of land on which to construct their shelter and washrooms. LWF provides each of them with a shelter construction kit which consists of a hoe, panga, ropes, spade, wheelbarrow and tarpaulins. ‘’They also get basic household items like kitchen sets, blankets, mats, jerrycans, basins and many more for a decent living in the settlement,’’ Onen says.