Refugee crisis deepens as Uganda battles influx from Congo and Sudan

Children arriving sick and exhausted are becoming the face of Uganda’s latest refugee crisis as thousands continue to cross the border, fleeing conflict in eastern Congo.

With resources wearing thin, the country’s ability to respond is quickly fading.

More than 41,000 Congolese refugees have reached Uganda since January, part of a steady flow fleeing insecurity in Rutshuru, Masisi, and Goma.

This surge, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), adds to the 70,000 Sudanese refugees who have already fled into Uganda due to the ongoing war in Sudan.

Most new arrivals are women and children, many of whom have witnessed trauma during their flight.

"This year alone, nine children under five have died from malnutrition-related anaemia at our transit centers," said UNHCR, referencing the Nyakabande and Matanda centers in the southwest.

Many children arrive already ill, with malaria and severe malnutrition reported widely.

Arrivals are using three main points of entry—Bunagana, Butogota, and Sebagoro.

In Kikuube, close to 4,000 refugees made a dangerous journey across Lake Albert in crowded boats, often traveling for hours in bad weather.

At the same time, some men remain behind in DRC to avoid being forced into armed groups.

At Nyakabande, the number of refugees has swelled to more than 7,000—six times its intended capacity.

In Matanda, poor sanitation is a major concern, with an urgent need for at least 150 latrines.

Health systems are struggling to provide for the growing numbers, even as some facilities have closed and medical staff have been reduced.

The strain on Uganda’s refugee support network is being felt across the country. Early childhood programs have been halted, affecting over 330 caregivers.

Teachers and school aides have also been cut. Even shelter construction for vulnerable groups has been stopped, and a 30% fuel cut is affecting transport and delivery of services.

The Office of the Prime Minister and UNHCR continue to register new arrivals and carry out health screenings at the border.

Refugees are given basic supplies, hot meals, and a place to sleep.

Efforts are underway to relocate about 3,000 refugees a week to settlements, but the shortage of transport is slowing progress.

Due to the lack of funds, UNHCR is scaling back legal aid and child-friendly spaces.

"We are focusing on lifesaving support and critical protection for the most vulnerable," the agency stated, noting that border monitoring and hygiene kits for women and girls remain priorities.

The growing demand against a shrinking pool of resources has left Uganda’s refugee response in a fragile state.

Without urgent funding, even the most essential services could soon become unavailable for thousands seeking safety.