At least 2,044 Congolese refugees fleeing conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have entered the Kyangwali refugee settlement area in Kikuube District after being thoroughly screened by security and settlement management.

The refugees, mainly children, women, and the elderly, arrived in Uganda through Lake Albert on Tuesday last week. They are part of over 8,000 refugees who fled their country and entered Kikuube.

The refugees are from areas such as Joo, Thoroges, Nyamamba, Kasenyi, Tchomia, Datule, Kafe, and Muvaramu in Bunia District, Ituri Province, in the eastern part of the DRC.

They are received at the Songa landing site immigration office in Kyangwali Sub-County, where they are registered and later transferred to the Sebigoro transit center for further verification. 

However, some refugees have already dispersed into nearby communities at the Kyakapere, Sunzu, Kyabasambo, and Songa landing sites.

While some have set up makeshift shelters, many are sleeping outdoors, under trees, or in churches. 

Tophious Chali, the Settlement Commandant at the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement Areas says they had fully registered and received the 2,044 new arrivals from the DRC but emphasized that the new arrivals could strain the limited food, land, health facilities, and other resources at the settlement, urging for immediate government intervention.

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