Uganda has intensified the transfer of refugees from the Nyakabande Transit Center in Kisoro district to other settlements across Uganda in a bid to ease congestion and maintain stability in the border district.
Jimmy Ogwang, the UNHCR Team Leader at Nyakabande, confirmed that at least 500 refugees are scheduled for relocation to designated settlements as part of ongoing efforts to decongest the facility.
“We are continuously transferring refugees to other settlements to ensure that the numbers at the transit centre remain manageable,” Ogwang explained.
he said the move follows a recent surge in arrivals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has strained the capacity of the transit centre and raised concerns over public health and security.
Ogwang emphasized that the transfers are critical in maintaining proper living conditions at the transit centre and reducing pressure on host communities. He added that the exercise is being carried out in coordination with the Government of Uganda to ensure refugees are safely settled in better-equipped facilities.
Meanwhile, Kisoro Resident District Commissioner, Hajji Badru Ssebyala, has urged residents to cooperate with authorities during the transfer process and continue supporting refugees within the legal framework.
He reiterated that refugees should be directed to official centres for assistance, warning that harboring them in private homes is illegal and could result in legal action.
The ongoing transfers highlight efforts by both government and humanitarian agencies to manage the refugee situation effectively, as instability in eastern DRC continues to drive more people across the border into Uganda.
Uganda hosts the largest refugee population in Africa, with over 1.96 million refugees and asylum seekers as of October 2025. Primarily fleeing conflict in South Sudan (55.1%) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (30.9%), 91% live in 13 settlements, with a significant number in urban areas.
According to offIce of the Prime Minister,Uganda hosts atotal of 1,961,518 refugees and asylum seekers (as of October 31, 2025). with majority coming from South Sudan (approx. 55%), DR Congo (approx. 31%), with increasing arrivals from Sudan.
Uganda is known for its “open-door” policy, granting refugees rights to work, land, and education, though this is under pressure due to funding shortages.
Recent Influx: The nation is experiencing high daily arrivals, often exceeding 400–600 people per year.
