'Uganda has received over 60,000 refugees since January'

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Refugee numbers in the country swelled by over 60,000 people since the start of 2025, New Vision Online has learnt.

According to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), its Mbarara sub-office in western Uganda, which covers the settlements of Kyaka, Rwamwanja, Nakivale, Oruchinga and Kyangwangali, has to date received 61,073 new refugee arrivals.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Mbarara sub-office head Tryphosa Byakika says in April alone, the office received 23,938 individuals.

Byakika made the remarks as the Church of Uganda (COU) flagged off a consignment of two lorries containing relief items to support refugees in Nakivale Refugee Settlement on May 27, 2025.

Church donation

Ankole diocese bishop Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa flagged the consignment on Tuesday morning at the Bishops’ Grounds in Mbarara city.

The event was witnessed by the household and community transformation director, the Rev. Andrew Agaba, the Ankole Diocese secretary, the Rev. Can. Edson Abasa and officials from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and UNHCR.

The support items which were delivered to the settlement today included clothes, soaps, toothpaste, sanitary pads, tarpaulins, buckets and food supplies.

“We want to give thanks to God for the province of the Church of Uganda because it is the one which appealed to dioceses to ensure we have relief items that can be extended to refugees and we were able to mobilise from our Christians and also the province has a relief office and they have been able to give us items, which have been given and are going to be extended to Nakivale refugee camp,” Mwesigwa said.

Call for more donations

He urged more dioceses to mobilise and give support to refugees. “Mathew 25:31-46 Jesus Christ said this is the way that judgement will be done, when I was hungry you fed me, when I was thirsty you gave me a drink, when I was in prison you visited me, when I was naked you clothed me. That is what we call true religion. How I pray that we shall give support to all those in need," Mwesigwa added.

He used the same platform to encourage Ugandans to strive to ensure they maintain a peaceful environment, especially as they go through the election period, imagining how refugees are suffering having been forced to leave their countries.

Population increases

The population in Nakivale, according to Byakika, has increased by 44,559 individuals, bringing the entire population to 257,046. 

She said the Government of Uganda and UNHCR continue to be committed to working with partners in advocating for more support, especially for the new arrivals.

She appreciated Uganda’s leadership in promoting progressive refugee management policies within the region, advancing comprehensive solutions to forcibly displaced persons.

Support the localisation agenda

Agaba said the general appeal came as a result of the provincial secretary and director of household and community transformation's visit, who witnessed the critical conditions faced by refugees in Nakivale are going through.

He thanked the Diocese of Ankole for responding to the appeal and raising a lorry-full of donations. 

Agaba also commended the Government of Uganda for its open-door policy for receiving people seeking refuge, and fleeing conflicts in their home countries.

“The Church of Uganda cares for humanity because we commit to preach a holistic gospel, because we are charged to make disciples of all nations and you can’t make disciples without caring for humanity, therefore, the people that come from these countries are our brothers and sisters let us help them, “he stated.

He called on all faithful to support a localisation agenda promoted by the church of Uganda to show care for people suffering in settlements.

He noted that global policies have changed, especially in terms of reduced funding, and refugees are struggling to have food and other necessities.

Agaba thanked all supporting partners, namely OPM and UNHCR, for supporting the Church of Uganda in this campaign.

Ankole diocese secretary, the Rev. Can. Edson Abasa, called for support from all well-wishers.

Ivan Ruhinda, a representative from the OPM office, appreciated the Church of Uganda for prioritising the support of refugees. She urged continuous humanitarian funding to meet the needs of refugees.