Kikuube District Sees a Surge in Refugees as Thousands Flee DRC

More than 7,000 Congolese refugees—primarily women, children, and the elderly—have fled ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and sought refuge in Uganda’s Kikuube District. The latest wave of arrivals, which occurred between Friday and Sunday, follows relentless attacks by various militia groups in Eastern DRC.

The refugees hail from conflict-hit regions such as Joo, Datule, Kafe, Nyamamba, Tchomia, Muvaramu, and Kasenyi in Bunia District, Ituri Province. They are making their way into Uganda via Lake Albert, using boats to reach safety. On average, between 10 and 15 boats transport refugees to Kikuube daily, where they undergo registration at Songa landing site in Buhuka Parish, Kyangwali Sub-County.

This recent surge has pushed the total number of Congolese refugees in Kikuube to 8,500, following an earlier group of 1,500 arrivals between Tuesday and Thursday last week.

Buhuka Parish LCII Chairperson Reginald Ngamita revealed that the region is struggling to accommodate the growing number of refugees arriving each day. After registration at the Songa immigration office, the refugees are transferred to the Sebigoro Reception Centre in Kabwoya Sub-County.

However, many have already dispersed into surrounding communities, particularly in Kyakapere, Sunzu, Kyabasambo, and Songa. While some have managed to construct makeshift shelters, many remain without proper housing, resorting to sleeping outdoors or in churches.

Local residents are increasingly worried about the implications of the influx. Gilbert Kisembo, a resident of Songa landing site, voiced concerns over the lack of thorough screening, highlighting potential health and security risks as refugees integrate with local populations.

Kikuube LCV Vice-Chairperson Vincent Alpha Opio assured that the district is coordinating with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to facilitate proper registration and relocation of refugees to the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement Area.

Efforts to reach Topheus Chail, the Settlement Commandant at Kyangwali, for comment were unsuccessful, as her phone was unreachable at press time.

The recent surge in refugees is part of a long-standing pattern of displacement caused by conflict in Eastern DRC. Since December 2017, thousands have fled into Uganda, particularly in the wake of deadly clashes between the Lendu and Bagegere communities.

As Uganda continues to provide sanctuary for those escaping violence, the pressure on local resources and humanitarian agencies intensifies, calling for urgent intervention and sustainable solutions.