Uganda to host 2,000 Afghan refugees

 By David Malaak

The government of Uganda has agreed to host Afghans who have fled the country after the Taliban – an armed opposition group, took over capital Kabul on Sunday, without much resistance from Afghan forces.    

The United States of America has appealed to countries to keep borders open for those fleeing the violence in Afghanistan. 

Uganda will take in 2,000 refugees from the war-torn Asian country and the first arrival of 500 were expected on Wednesday.   

Following the events last weekend in Afghanistan, the US contacted its allies including Uganda to render humanitarian assistance to Afghans and foreign nationals displaced by the conflict.

“Upon receipt of request from the Government of the United States for assistance towards hosting some of the affected persons, H.E. The president expressed Uganda’s readiness to provide assistance including; temporary hosting of some of the affected persons in the current crisis,” Uganda foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

Around 1.5 million people – mostly South Sudanese, have sought asylum in Uganda, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. This makes the east African nation the largest home to refugees in Africa.