Nakivale (Uganda) : the camp has new administrative structures

SOS Médias Burundi

Nakivale, November 23, 2025- On November 18 and 19, the refugees from the Nakivale camp, in southwest Uganda, elected their representatives at all administrative levels. Among the new elected figures are several Burundians exiled in this camp, one of the oldest and largest in the country.

According to an outgoing local leader, who chose not to seek a second term, these elections have mobilized more resources, participants and interest than in previous years. He explains this enthusiasm by the multiplication of economic and social concerns within the camp.

“Life has become very expensive, living conditions are deteriorating, juvenile delinquency is increasing and monthly rations have been reduced or sometimes completely cut off,” he confides.
He stressed that the outgoing committee failed to ease tensions, particularly on the issues of drinking water shortages and the opening of roads in the neighborhoods.

“It’s for this reason that many former leaders didn’t vie positions this time.” And many of the grievances exceed even the capacities of simple elected officials”, he acknowledges.

The refugees hope that the new administrative structure will be able to improve advocacy, particularly with the Ugandan authorities and humanitarian organizations.

The elections concerned leaders at the village, zone and camp presidency levels.
Three Burundians were elected to head the villages of Nyarugugu, New Hope and New Buja, localities mostly inhabited by the Burundian community.

Each committee, whatever the level, is composed of ten members covering the sectors of security, social, youth, environment, education or even the treasury.

The Office of the Ugandan Prime Minister in charge of refugees is pleased with the good conduct of the election, stating that no major incidents were recorded, unlike in previous years.

The Nakivale camp has more than 150,000 refugees and asylum seekers, including nearly 33,000 Burundians.