Nakivale (Uganda) : at least four motorcyclists killed in one month, raising concerns in the refugee camp

SOS Médias Burundi

Nakivale, September 3, 2025 – The Nakivale refugee camp, located in Isingiro district, southwest Uganda, has been rocked by a series of murders targeting motorcycle riders. At least four motorcyclists were killed during the month of August, including three Burundian refugees, according to the local motorcycle transporters’ association.

These acts of violence have raised serious concerns among camp residents, who denounce the growing insecurity, particularly surrounding motorcycle transportation, one of the few sources of income for many refugees.

Extremely brutal murders

According to witness accounts, more than ten attacks on motorcyclists have been recorded in just one month. Five motorcycles were also stolen by unidentified individuals. The latest murder has particularly shocked the community due to its cruelty :

“The latest case that occurred last week is alarming! Imagine that the rider’s head and genitals were decapitated. We buried him like that,” said a local leader.
“His colleagues refused to bury him until they found his body parts.”

Investigation opened, several suspects arrested

The Ugandan police launched an investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects in Kampala, the country’s capital. According to initial reports, the suspects are believed to be linked to some refugees, but the authorities have not yet released all the details.

Furthermore, more than twenty motorcycles and suspicious license plates were seized last weekend in the Isingiro district. Two other individuals were arrested during this operation. Some of the recovered motorcycles belonged to refugees who had been victims of recent attacks.

Persistent insecurity outside the camp

The attacks occur mainly in the evening and outside the camp, in poorly monitored areas. Some riders point the finger at young members of the local population, but these accusations remain to be confirmed by the official investigation.

Faced with this wave of violence, the bikers’ association is calling for exemplary sanctions against the perpetrators and urging the authorities to increase security patrols around the camp.

Increased vigilance instructions

Pending concrete measures, community leaders are calling on bikers to :

avoid traveling at night,

work in groups when possible,

and report any suspicious behavior to the police or local camp authorities.

Nakivale refugee camp currently hosts more than 150,000 refugees, including approximately 33,000 Burundians. These repeated killings plunge the community into fear and grief, and once again highlight the security challenges facing already vulnerable refugees.