A record 8,300 South Sudan refugees cross into Uganda in a single day

United Nations peacekeepers ride in their armored personnel carrier (APC) as they patrol the perimeter of the protection of civilians site hosting about 30,000 people displaced during the recent fighting in Juba, South Sudan. (Photo: Reuters)

More than 8,300 refugees fled violence in war-torn South Sudan and crossed into neighbouring Uganda in a single day this week, setting a one-day record for this year, United Nations officials said on Friday.

The refugees, nearly all women and children, were escaping stepped-up fighting between forces loyal to South Sudan’s president and those loyal to its former vice president, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said.