The centre, which serves as a temporary shelter for Congolese asylum seekers fleeing conflict in DR Congo, has been overwhelmed by an influx of over 1,200 new arrivals through the Bunagana border in just one day last week.
At least 10% of refugees arriving at the Nyakabande transit centre in Kisoro District are suffering from malnutrition as food shortages worsen, officials have warned.
The centre, which serves as a temporary shelter for Congolese asylum seekers fleeing conflict in DR Congo, has been overwhelmed by an influx of over 1,200 new arrivals through the Bunagana border in just one day last week.
Pollin Irene Abina, the Acting Regional Refugee Desk Officer, described the situation as alarming, noting that malnutrition levels have surged among newly arrived refugees.
“Currently here in Nyakabande, we have registered received 13,000 refugees since January and this is besides the the estimated 20,000 that arrived in the country between January and December last year,” Abina said.
She attributed the crisis to limited food supplies from the World Food Programme and expressed concern that the situation could deteriorate if arrivals continue to increase.
Since January, Uganda has received 13,000 refugees at Nyakabande alone, inching closer to the 20,000 projection for the entire year.
Many refugees have recounted fleeing their homes due to hunger, with some saying they are trapped indoors for fear of abduction if they venture outside.
Kisoro Deputy Resident District Commissioner Robert Tukamuhebwa noted that authorities are struggling to provide essentials such as food, shelter, and hygiene kits.
He also highlighted the dwindling resources of humanitarian agencies operating in the area.
State Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Relief, and Refugees Lillian Aber warned that Uganda might be forced to close its borders if the international community does not reconsider recent cuts to refugee aid.
