Congolese Refugees Overwhelm Nyakabande Transit Centre
The centre, designed to provide temporary shelter and assistance, is struggling to cope with the large number of new arrivals.
The Nyakabande Transit Centre in Kisoro District is currently overwhelmed by a massive influx of refugees, as more than 1,200 Congolese nationals have crossed into Uganda through the Bunagana border, seeking asylum.
The centre, designed to provide temporary shelter and assistance, is struggling to cope with the large number of new arrivals.
Our reporter visited Nyakabande during the lunchtime hours and found the centre overcrowded with refugees who had arrived the previous evening from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Construction of additional shelters was ongoing to accommodate the new arrivals.
Upon arrival, refugees are registered, screened, and provided with bedding and essential items. However, the situation has become dire, with the centre's capacity severely stretched.
Robert Tukamuhebwa, Deputy RDC of Kisoro, confirmed that the number of refugees has surpassed the center's capacity, leading to significant challenges in providing adequate space, food, hygiene kits, and shelter.
The congestion has raised concerns about potential disease outbreaks, including Ebola.
"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," said Tukamuhebwa.
Pollin Irene Abina, Acting Regional Refugee Desk Officer, stressed the urgency of relocating refugees to settlements in Isingiro District.
However, she pointed out that many partners lack resources, with some having closed programs or laid off staff, further complicating the management of the crisis.
"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," Abina warned.
The UNHCR team leader, Jimmy Okello, is working closely with the Ugandan government to provide essential services to the new arrivals and explore options for relocating refugees to settlements to ease the pressure on the transit centre.
The US aid freeze has significantly impacted humanitarian agencies, worsening the crisis.
Most of the refugees are fleeing from Goma, Masisi, and Rutshuru in DR Congo, seeking safety in Uganda.
As the conflict persists, the influx of refugees is expected to continue, putting further strain on the Nyakabande Transit Centre and humanitarian agencies.
