The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has donated more than 100 tonnes of essential supplies to help South Sudanese refugees in desperate need in northern Uganda.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, ordered a private plane to dispatch the supplies to those fleeing conflict in South Sudan.
State news agency WAM said the flight was due to arrive in Entebbe Airport on Sunday and that it was carrying sleeping mats, blankets, mosquito nets, buckets and other essential items for refugees living along the Ugandan border with South Sudan.
Princess Haya bint Hussein, the wife of Sheikh Mohammed and President of Dubai’s International City for Humanitarian Services, said: “The UAE always come to the forefront of international relief efforts in various emergencies and crisis.”
The number of South Sudanese seeking safety and shelter in neighbouring countries has crossed the one million mark, according to the UN refugee agency.
File photo: South Sudanese refugees arrive at the Elegu border collection point in Adjumani district, northern Uganda. Photo: UNHCR/Barb Wigley