Kisoro, Uganda – The number of refugees at Nyakabande Transit Centre in Kisoro district has significantly decreased from over 6,000 to approximately 1,000, according to Robert Tukamuhabwa, the Kisoro Deputy Resident District Commissioner.
This development comes after a huge influx of refugees in April 2025, fleeing the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
While addressing the media at his office, Tukamuhabwa revealed that the reduction in numbers is a result of transferring refugees to different transit centers.
“The reduction in numbers has enabled Uganda to conserve some resources, including food, electricity, firewood, water, labor, and funds, which were previously being used to support the refugees from DRC,” Tukamuhabwa said.
He emphasized that Uganda will continue to enhance security measures in Kisoro district, given its strategic location bordering two countries, DRC and Rwanda.
“We pray for peace and security in DRC, which will ultimately benefit the people of the region. However, the reduction in refugee numbers will not affect our commitment to maintaining security in Kisoro district,” Tukamuhabwa added.
Cue in … Tukamuhabwa on Refugees. RR
The reduction in refugee numbers is a welcome relief for Uganda, which has been hosting thousands of refugees from the DRC and South Sudan.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently experiencing a multifaceted crisis marked by escalating armed conflicts, political instability, and severe humanitarian challenges.
Over 7.3 million people are internally displaced, the highest number ever recorded in the country, due to renewed offensives by the March 23 Movement (M23) in North Kivu and South Kivu.
The M23 rebels seized Goma, a major city in North Kivu province, in late January 2025, resulting in significant casualties and mass displacement.
Reports indicate that 2.8 million children across the DRC suffer from high malnutrition rates, with 1.1 million children and 605,000 women facing elevated levels of acute malnutrition.