Fatal Imvepi violence triggers security crackdown
Heavy deployment of police and soldiers from Arua, Maracha and Koboko districts has since been witnessed in the settlement. Although calm has returned, many refugees have fled with their belongings to neighbouring host communities.
West Nile Regional Police spokesperson Josephine Angucia. (File)
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What began as a routine democratic process to elect new Refugee Welfare Council (RWC3) leaders in Imvepi Refugee Settlement in Terego district descended into deadly violence on August 25, leaving two refugees dead, dozens arrested and key government facilities reduced to ashes.
The unrest followed the disqualification of former RWC3 chairperson Charles James Loro, also referred to as James Lolu Charles, from the election race. According to security and refugee settlement officials, Loro was barred from contesting after allegedly failing to meet nomination requirements, including the minimum academic qualification of Senior Four or its equivalent. Election guidelines also require candidates for the RWC3 chairperson position to be registered refugees, at least 35 years old and fluent in English.
What started as a protest quickly turned violent. Protesters allegedly pelted stones at police and government facilities and facilitated the escape of seven suspects from police cells. Police responded with tear gas and live ammunition in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Two refugees were fatally struck by stray bullets, while two police officers and several civilians sustained injuries.
The mob then attacked and burnt the administration block of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Imvepi Police Station and police staff quarters. Rioters reportedly looted personal belongings, office equipment, phones and computers before setting the structures ablaze. A police motorcycle, generator and vehicles parked within the OPM compound were also destroyed. Documents and office records were scattered across the compound as flames consumed buildings whose replacement will cost hundreds of millions of shillings.
Heavy deployment of police and soldiers from Arua, Maracha and Koboko districts has since been witnessed in the settlement. Although calm has returned, many refugees have fled with their belongings to neighbouring host communities.
Security agencies have arrested at least 37 suspects in connection with the violence, while investigations into arson, malicious damage and related offences continue. Authorities say the main suspect, Loro, remains on the run.
District leaders and area legislators have condemned the violence but reiterated that Uganda's open-door refugee policy remains unchanged. They urged refugees to resolve grievances peacefully and allow the law to take its course, warning that destruction of public property and loss of life undermine development efforts and peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities.