Nakivale (Uganda) : a fight against uncontrolled construction marred by corruption

A senior official of the Ugandan Ministry in charge of refugees is accused by the latter of destroying houses under construction in the Nakivale camp, under the pretext of fighting against uncontrolled construction. According to the refugees, these actions would in reality hide a desire to monetize his services. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

In the zones of New Buja, Sub Camp and Kabazana, many adobe brick houses have been demolished, whether they are under construction or about to be completed. This destruction, although concentrated in these sectors, does not spare the rest of the camp.

Behind these acts, refugees torch a certain “Pénélope”, assistant to the president (commander) of the Nakivale camp.

“We can’t count the number of houses she has had demolished here. Every week, houses are knocked down. It’s unfortunate because we lack the means, and even those who try to get back on their feet find themselves stuck. We’re fed up,” confides one of the local leaders (Chairman) of the camp.

The official justification questioned

The assistant justifies these demolitions by a desire to fight against anarchic and unauthorized constructions in the camp. However, this argument leaves the refugees skeptical.

“Here, there is no prior authorization to build a house. Once the UNHCR shows you a field, you are free to exploit it as you wish. Even a friend can give you a piece of their plot, and you build directly,” they explain.

For them, these destructions would rather be a way for “Pénélope” to take advantage of her position.

“If someone is caught and pays 300,000 Uganda shillings, they can continue their construction. Anyone who supposedly wants to apply for a permit must pay the same amount,” denounce refugees who spoke to SOS Médias Burundi.

They add that this suspicious practice has appeared since his appointment to the camp.

“Before his arrival, we were building in peace. Moreover, the UNHCR encourages us to leave the houses in huts or tents,” they specify.

Call to action

Refugees urge the camp administration and the UNHCR to intervene to restore their fundamental rights.

With more than 140,000 refugees, including more than 33,000 Burundians, the Nakivale camp is one of the largest in Uganda. These accusations of corruption and abuse add to the already considerable burden that its occupants must bear.