Uganda Faces Surge in Refugees as Insecurity Grows in DRC and Sudan
Source: UNHCR Press Briefing
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Geneva, 9 April 2025 – Uganda, which is already Africa’s largest refugee-hosting country, is experiencing a sharp increase in refugee arrivals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to UNHCR Representative in Uganda, Matthew Crentsil.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Crentsil said over 41,000 Congolese have crossed into Uganda since January 2025, fleeing intensified violence in eastern DRC. The majority are arriving from Rutshuru, Masisi and Goma, seeking refuge in Uganda through key entry points in Kisoro, Kanungu and Kikuube districts. Many have endured harrowing journeys and witnessed traumatic events including killings and sexual violence.
The influx comes as Uganda is also managing the needs of over 70,000 Sudanese refugees who have arrived amid the ongoing war in Sudan. Uganda now hosts nearly 1.8 million refugees, close to 600,000 of whom are from the DRC.
Transit and reception centres, especially in Nyakabande and Matanda, are severely overstretched. Nyakabande is currently accommodating more than six times its original capacity, with refugees sheltering in kitchens and registration areas due to the onset of the rainy season. Health and sanitation conditions are deteriorating, with severe shortages of latrines, bathing facilities, and clean water putting lives at risk. In Matanda, 150 latrines are urgently needed to meet the minimum sanitation standards.
Children are particularly vulnerable. Many are arriving in poor health, with widespread cases of malaria and malnutrition. Since January, nine children under the age of five have reportedly died from malnutrition-related anaemia at the overcrowded transit centres.
The funding shortfall is compounding the crisis. UNHCR has been forced to scale back key services, including closing health facilities, laying off 250 health workers, discontinuing 332 early childhood caregivers, and reducing education staff. Shelter construction for people with specific needs has been halted, and fuel cuts are affecting logistics and service delivery. Customary protection activities including legal aid for refugees and safe play areas for children have also been sacrificed to prioritise more important needs.
Despite the challenges, Uganda’s Office of the Prime Minister, with support from UNHCR and partners, continues to register new arrivals, screen for health issues, provide basic relief items, and relocate roughly 3,000 people weekly to longer-term settlements.
Crentsil emphasized the urgent need for increased international support to ensure critical services can continue. “Urgent funding is critical to maintain and expand services,” he said. Current priorities include border monitoring, health screening, provision of menstrual hygiene kits, and support for children and survivors of gender-based violence.
