Leaders in the Kigezi sub-region have raised an alarm over the ongoing crisis at the Nyakabande Transit Centre in Kisoro District after the settlement received more than 1,200 refugees in just a single evening.

The camp is located in Kisoro District, southwestern Uganda, approximately 5 kilometers from Kisoro town and 18 kilometers from the Bunagana border.

The current situation in the area has left authorities concerned about the desperate conditions, including overcrowding, disease, and poor sanitation.

Robert Tukamuhebwa, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kisoro, confirmed the alarming rise in numbers, noting that the center’s resources are stretched thin.

“Yesterday evening, we received 1,200 Congolese refugees at Nyakabande. The numbers have exceeded the center’s capacity, and the situation is now overwhelming. We are struggling with a lack of space, food, hygiene kits, and shelter,” Tukamuhebwa said.

Previous instances in 2012 and 2022 also saw the facility overwhelmed, raising pressing questions about Uganda’s preparedness and the global community’s responsibility to address displacement on a systemic level.

Despite Uganda’s critical role as a host country in a region plagued by violence and instability, Nyakabande has repeatedly faced challenges in managing large refugee inflows.

The current situation at Nyakabande, compounded by a reliance on underfunded humanitarian agencies, mirrors the challenges faced in past years.

Pollin Irene Abina, the Acting Regional Refugee Desk Officer, highlighted the urgency of relocating refugees to safer settlements in Isingiro District.

“Many humanitarian partners are facing financial constraints, with some programs closed and staff laid off due to limited resources, Abina said.

“The biggest concern is disease outbreaks. If we don’t manage the situation, the rising numbers could easily turn this into a high-risk area for disease. We are doing our best to relocate these refugees to Nakivale settlement, she warned.

As of 2024, the DRC remains home to a staggering 6.9 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). Uganda, with its limited resources, has become one of the primary countries shouldering the consequences of this crisis, despite the international community’s significant wealth and capacity.

As the conflict in the DRC persists, the pressure on Nyakabande and other refugee centers will only increase, underscoring the need for a global reassessment of responsibility, preparedness, and investment in both immediate relief and long-term stability for displaced populations.