Government through the Office of the Prime Minister, together with the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR have taken a decision to separate the rival groups of the Dinka and Nuer refugee communities from South Sudan.
This the UNHCR says is aimed at preventing the escalation of tensions between refugee youth.
The move follows violence that broke out in the Rhino camp in Arua district this week, leaving four refugees dead.
A scuffle ensued between two male refugees in Rhino Camp on Sunday followed by sporadic violent attacks on refugees by fellow refugees which has resulted in four confirmed fatalities, including that of a minor. Some other 19 refugees were injured.
It is reported that the scuffle was sparked by a World Cup match a dispute at a recreational centre in one of the villages in Tika Zone between 9pm and 10pm.
One of the males allegedly left the centre and when he returned he found that other one had taken his seat, according to a statement issued by UNHCR on Thursday.
The issue prompted a heated argument between the two, which led to the fight that in turn sparked off a series of violent attacks in different villages in Tika Zone.
Government has since deployed police officers immediately to secure affected areas as members of the refugee community moved away pre-emptively due to escalating tensions.
Police reinforcements were sent from Arua and Yumbe districts to maintain law and order amid concerns about likely retaliatory attacks.
Tika Zone in Rhino Camp, where the incidents took place, hosts mainly South Sudanese refugees of Dinka and Nuer ethnicity.
While the refugees have coexisted with host communities in relative peace, the attacks in the past few days have created a widening rift between the two refugee groups prompting the authorities to relocate some refugees to a primary school to facilitate protection by police.
The UNHCR Head of Sub Office Arua, Bik Lum described the incident as tragic.
“It is tragic that refugees should be killed by fellow refugees in this manner. We send our condolences to the bereaved families,” he said, adding that medical agencies are treating the injured.”
“Because of the violence, fearful women and children fled into the bush or hastily packed their belongings to move elsewhere,” Lum said.
He added that many families are missing members, especially young children. Unconfirmed reports indicate that some refugees have sought safety in the homes of host community members.
Describing actions taken by local authorities and humanitarian partners, Lum said, “Police immediately intensified patrols. We mobilized three trucks and a bus to relocate refugees, mostly women and children, from affected areas to the safety of schools. WFP provided hot meals”
“The Uganda Red Cross is assisting families to trace their missing loved ones. There are urgent needs for psychosocial support to refugees who are experiencing trauma, relapses and psychological torture.”
Speaking in Kampala, UNHCR Representative Joel Boutroue said; “The Office of the Prime Minister and UNHCR have agreed to separate the two communities as a priority in order to prevent the escalation of already high tensions between youth on both sides.
“We are also going to work with the communities to promote peace and reconciliation,” he added.
Boutroue condemned in the strongest terms “these senseless acts of violence” and sent heartfelt condolences to the grieving families.
“The acts that caused these deaths and injuries are criminal, and the perpetrators must swiftly be brought to book in accordance with the laws Uganda”.
The UNHCR Representative cautioned that the misdeeds of a few should not be attributed to an entire community.
“It is telling that such a minor incident should trigger a tragedy of such magnitude. It has created an extremely volatile situation for refugees in Tika Zone who are mostly women and children without the protection of their menfolk. We are following the situation closely and reviewing durable options to maintain peace in the area,” he said.
South Sudanese nationals constitute about three-quarters of the refugee population in Uganda. The majority arrived during the past two years.