In response to the severe fighting between government forces and armed groups in Eastern DRC, thousands of refugees have crossed into Uganda.
Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, Defence Public Information Officer for the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division, reported that over 2,000 refugees have arrived in Uganda in the past 72 hours, fleeing from regions including Katwiguru, Kiwanja, Binza, Kiseguro, Kiringa, Masisi, Bwenza, Walungu, and Rutchuru.
Tabaro pointed out that civilians near the Ugandan border, particularly the elderly, sick, pregnant women, and children, are facing heightened risks of violence, hunger, displacement, and cultural loss due to the ongoing conflict.
He emphasized, “The influx of vulnerable Congolese refugees is intensifying the humanitarian crisis for both border communities and the broader region.”
As the conflict continues, refugees are entering Uganda through unsecured borders at Bunagana and Nteko in Kisoro, Kyeshero and Ishasha in Kanungu, and other informal routes.
Tabaro added, “The proximity of the fighting to these border areas poses significant security risks for local communities and the region due to the presence of various armed groups.”
The refugees are being accommodated at transit centers in Nyakabande, Kisoro, and Matanda, Kanungu. The Office of the Prime Minister is coordinating with partners to ensure that the fleeing Congolese are provided with aid in accordance with international regulations.
Tabaro reported that on Saturday evening, 98 armed Congolese police officers were received at the Ishasha border post and are being processed in line with international legal procedures.
He stated that the security situation within Uganda is stable and there have been no breaches of the border. Authorities are actively working with District Security Committees to enhance vigilance among local communities and ensure that those fleeing from DRC are properly vetted to prevent any infiltration by potentially hostile groups.
Tabaro urged both community leaders and residents at the borders to remain alert, as there is a risk that groups such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which are seeking to re-enter Uganda after their camps were destroyed in Eastern DRC, might exploit the situation.
“Maintaining vigilance is crucial to prevent security issues across the border. We have increased surveillance in the Kisoro-Kanungu region to address any potential threats,” he concluded.