Nakivale : two dead and several banditry shake the refugee camp

SOS Médias Burundi

Nakivale, May 25, 2026 — A wave of insecurity is increasingly worrying refugees in the Nakivale camp in southwestern Uganda. Two people were killed last weekend in separate incidents, and several shops were attacked in different villages within the camp. Refugees are denouncing a resurgence of banditry, which they attribute to increasing poverty and a lack of assistance for newly arrived asylum seekers.

The incidents occurred last Saturday, at different times and in different locations.

In the village of New Hope, located at the edge of Kashojwa B, a violent altercation broke out between two Congolese refugees during the night. The dispute quickly turned deadly.

“One of them grabbed a machete and seriously wounded his compatriot, who ultimately succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at the Nyarugugu Health Center,” a local source reported. According to the same source, the alleged assailant fled immediately after the attack.

A few hours earlier, at nightfall, a shop had already been targeted in an attack in the village of Kabazana.

“The owner tried to resist, but he was killed by armed men who then looted several items from his shop,” a Burundian refugee testified.

On the same day, another act of banditry was reported in Kashojwa B.

“Thieves broke into a shop and stole several bags of rice, flour, clothing, and cosmetics,” residents reported.

Faced with this rise in insecurity, refugees are calling on the police and camp administration to strengthen security measures. Police authorities claim to have opened investigations to identify and arrest the perpetrators of these attacks.

To address residents’ concerns, night patrols conducted by civilian guards, with police support when needed, have been established in several villages within the camp.

“The refugees welcome this initiative and say they are ready to contribute,” explains a community leader.

The precarious situation of new arrivals highlighted

Even though no official investigation has yet established responsibility, several refugees suspect some of the new asylum seekers who are facing extreme hardship.

“There are many of these new arrivals living in transit centers or scattered throughout different villages. Many have not yet received any assistance and must survive on their own,” laments a local leader.

For several residents, the nature of the stolen goods could provide clues to the perpetrators’ motives.

“The fact that it’s mostly food that’s being stolen speaks volumes about the motive behind these attacks,” analyzes another refugee.

These new asylum seekers are mostly Burundians and Congolese.

“They go from door to door asking for food. The situation is becoming alarming in the context of widespread poverty in the camp. The UNHCR and the Ugandan government must intervene quickly,” insists a refugee.

The Nakivale camp hosts more than 150,000 refugees, including more than 33,000 Burundians.