Refugee Numbers at Nyakabande Transit Centre Drop from 6,000 to 1,000

Kisoro: The number of refugees at Nyakabande Transit Centre in Kisoro District has dropped from over 6,000 to about 1,000 following a massive influx in April 2025 due to ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This development was confirmed by the Kisoro Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Robert Tukamuhabwa, during a press briefing at his office on June 10.

Tukamuhabwa explained that the reduction is a result of transferring refugees to other centres and a recent decrease in new arrivals. He noted that the decline has allowed Uganda to save important resources such as food, electricity, firewood, water, labor, and funds that were previously used to support the refugees.

He added that when conflict in the DRC calms down, neighboring countries like Uganda rejoice, as they hope and pray for lasting peace and security in the region.

Despite the drop in refugee numbers, Tukamuhabwa emphasized that Uganda remains committed to maintaining strong security in Kisoro District, which borders both the DRC and Rwanda.