Kiryandongo refugees, residents demand more security as crime rises
Kolnable Dee, a refugee leader, expressed grave concerns, stating, "We are facing a lot of insecurity in the camp, which has put our lives at risk."
The district Police commander, Kiryandongo, Steven Ojok, addressing refugees in the Kiryandongo refugee settlement. (Photo by Yosam Gucwaki)
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Refugees from South Sudan and Sudan residing in Kiryandongo refugee settlement in Kiryandongo district are urgently appealing to the Ugandan Government for enhanced security, citing a pervasive climate of insecurity within the settlement.
The plea is echoed by residents of Kiryandongo sub-county, who are demanding the establishment of a police post to combat what they describe as escalating crime in the area.
Kiryandongo district hosts over 170,000 refugees, predominantly Nuer from South Sudan and Arabs from Sudan.
Kolnable Dee, a refugee leader, expressed grave concerns, stating, "We are facing a lot of insecurity in the camp, which has put our lives at risk."
Mathew Abonga, another refugee leader, highlighted a disturbing trend of unsolved murder cases, alleging that suspects are often released by Kiryandongo police without justice for the victims' families.
"Kiryandongo police has not helped us because the key suspects were released and they are moving freely," he asserted.
Suaad Elsted Omer, a South Sudanese mother, also reported challenges of harassment and threats against women and children, calling for government protection.
Meanwhile, residents of Kiryandongo sub-county are grappling with a surge in theft, assault, defilement, murder and rape cases, attributing the insecurity partly to the lack of a police post in their area.
Jovia Katusiime, the woman MP for Kiryandongo District, in a group photo with the refugees' leaders. (Photo by Yosam Gucwaki)
During a meeting at Techwa Health II on September 22, 2026, local residents from Tecwa village and surrounding villages emphasised the urgent need for a police post, noting that thieves frequently target their livestock.
Topista Naluwaga, a farmer, explained the difficulty of reporting cases at the distant main police station.
"We are walking almost 15 KMs to access the police station. Some cases happen, but we choose to keep quiet because the police stations are too far," she said.
Wilson Tugume, the LC III chairperson of Kiryandongo subcounty, painted a grim picture, revealing that the sub-county registers between three to six murder cases weekly.
He added that defilement and rape are rampant, with perpetrators often escaping due to inadequate security.
Tugume attributed some of the challenges to unutilised idle land in the area and called on higher authorities to compel investors to develop it.
He further attributed the insecurity to investors ferrying casual workers from different areas without informing local leaders.
Dan Muganga, the resident district commissioner for Kiryandongo, acknowledged the subcounty's need for increased security, especially given the influx of workers for investor companies.
Commenting on the insecurity in the refugee settlement, Muganga said they were aware of the incidents and were doing everything possible to beef up police presence inside the settlement.
District police commander Stephen Ojoko confirmed the insecurity in the refugee settlement, noting that murder incidents had been registered, suspects arrested and were awaiting court proceedings.
He admitted to a manpower shortage and said requests for more police posts in the settlement had been forwarded to his superiors.
Ojoko urged refugees to cease promoting insecurity and refrain from carrying pangas and knives, describing them as very hostile.
He advised subcounty leaders to collaborate with village leaders and crime preventers to protect residents and their property, and to identify suitable land for a police post in Kiryandongo subcounty.
Jovia Katusiime, the Woman Member of Parliament for Kiryandongo district, who is moving around to understand different issues affecting the people, confirmed receiving numerous reports of murder and animal theft.
Katusiime said she planned to meet security agencies and called on the government to establish a police post in Kiryandongo subcounty.
Katusiime further requested increased security in the refugee settlement through additional police posts and even the deployment of a UPDF detachment, citing past conflicts, such as the July 2025 clashes between Nuer and Arabs over resources, which resulted in one death and more than 30 injuries.
She urged the Ministry of Security to take over the situation in the settlement, emphasising the severity of refugees killing each other.