Congolese refugees in Uganda have rejected an offer by Ugandan authorities to be settled in transit camps.
Hundreds of the refugees mainly from eastern DR Congo said they prefer to return home after relative calm than settle in foreign transit camps.
More than 17,000 Congolese sought-after refuge at the Nyakabande transit camp since fighting began in eastern part of DR Congo early last month.
The refugees living in Kisoro District transit camp have refused relocation into the settlement camps in Uganda.
Commandant at the Nyakabande transit camp said authorities are ready to register any refugee that voluntarily accept to be relocated.
Mr Daniel Kisaamo disclosed many are reluctant to be relocated hoping for peace to return to their country.
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“I have property that include crop gardens and personal business that can benefit my family better than being in foreign refugee camp. East or West, home is best”, one refugee stressed.
Mr Kisaamo said about 3,000 Congolese refugees have so far been relocated.
The commissioner-in-charge of refugees at the Office of the Prime Minister hinted government is prepared to accommodate the Nyakabande refugees for the next two months.
Douglas Asiimwe, contends most refugees prefer to return home since they cannot manage lifestyle in Ugandan settlement camps.
Shafiq Sekandi, Kisoro Resident District Commissioner, pointed out that Uganda has registered about 20,339 asylum seekers from the Democratic Republic of Congo since last month.
He said arrangements are been made to convey some refugees to Nakivale settlement camp which many are reluctant to accept.
