UNHCR statement on deadly violence in Uganda's Nyumanzi refugee settlement

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency is saddened at the tragic loss of lives that followed clashes between refugees and the host communities on 11 and 12 December in Uganda’s Nyumanzi refugee settlement, Adjumani district.

According to reports, violence between the refugees and the host population began after a Ugandan man was found dead in the vicinity of the settlement on 10 December. 

Four people are reportedly dead, including two refugees and two Ugandans. Twelve others sustained injuries and were rushed to Adjumani district hospital, where they received treatment by UNHCR partner Medical Teams International (MTI). Ten of the injured have been already discharged, while two others were referred to Kampala’s Mulago hospital for further treatment.

According to local authorities and UNHCR staff on the ground, about 2,800 Ugandans fled the affected areas and found refuge at Dzaipi reception centre, some 4 km south of Nyumanzi settlement. Among them are more than 500 people who have reached the centre with the assistance of UNHCR.

Closed since 2018, this facility used to provide temporary shelter to new refugee arrivals from South Sudan. While some Ugandans have reportedly returned home, UNHCR continues to provide emergency assistance and hot meals to all those who remain at the reception centre.

UNHCR and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) continue to monitor the situation and are in regular communication with representatives of the refugee community and local leaders to advocate for peaceful coexistence between the refugees and their hosts. 

Deadly clashes have reportedly stopped since yesterday and the situation has now returned to normal, with law enforcement authorities still on the ground to monitor the situation. OPM in coordination with the refugee welfare councils and other community structures have already started confidence building and peaceful coexistence activities.

In deploring this deadly violence, UNHCR presents its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.

For further information, please contact:

In Kampala, Duniya Aslam Khan, Communications Officer | [email protected] | +256 772701101