A total of 834 returnees have been registered in the Acholi corridor of Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State between January and April this year, according to the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC).
Salva Ben, RRC County Coordinator, revealed the figures
while urging humanitarian and development partners to include returnee support
in their programs.
He noted that the returnees, who come from various payams, often
return voluntarily and face significant challenges due to limited assistance.
“Those who fled to the camps are not only from one payam;
they come from all payams. However, some have decided to return. From January,
February, and April, in the Acholi corridor, we have registered 834 individuals,”
Ben told Singaita FM in an interview.
He explained that many returnees are hesitant to leave camps
due to the risk of losing their registration status and associated benefits.
“These people are coming voluntarily because in the camp,
you cannot simply say, 'I am now going back.' If you declare your intention to
return to the country, your name will be removed from the records, and many
returnees fear this,” he said.
The refugees returned from camps in Uganda, but only a few
benefit from occasional seed distributions.
The coordinator further stated that structured support could
boost voluntary returns and reintegration.