Ugandan authorities and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are conducting awareness meetings with Burundian refugees in Nakivale camp, southwestern Uganda, to prepare them for their return to Burundi. These key sessions inform refugees that their status is slated to conclude in the first half of 2028, prompting a concerted effort towards repatriation. Representatives from UNHCR and the Ugandan Prime Minister's Office for Refugees are delivering this message, urging the refugees to 'prepare for a mass return' to their home country. The Nakivale camp is a significant settlement, hosting over 150,000 refugees in total. Among this large population, more than 33,000 Burundians currently reside in Nakivale, making them a substantial portion of the camp's inhabitants. The ongoing initiative aims to facilitate an organized and structured repatriation process well in advance of the official dissolution of their refugee status, which is scheduled for the first half of 2028.
Push for Repatriation
Refugees are being urged to participate massively in the ongoing awareness meetings, particularly those who recently arrived from Tanzania following the closure of Nduta and Nyarugusu camps. These camps in Tanzania had previously hosted large populations of Burundian refugees, and their closure led to a new influx into Uganda. The primary justifications for this significant return initiative include the reported return of peace and political stability in Burundi. Burundian authorities have also consistently issued calls for their citizens to return home, emphasizing the improvements in the country's security and governance.
UNHCR representatives have stated that voluntary repatriation is considered the most durable solution when conditions in the country of origin are deemed favorable and sustainable for returnees. During these awareness meetings, methods previously employed in neighboring countries, specifically Tanzania, to encourage returns were explicitly mentioned. Officials indicated that similar approaches to those used during the closure of Nduta and Nyarugusu camps might be considered if refugees do not participate adequately in the current registration process for repatriation. This suggestion has added to the apprehension among some refugee communities. The cessation clause, which dictates the end of refugee status, is a critical component of international refugee law, and its application signals a formal assessment by host countries and the UNHCR that the conditions that led to flight no longer exist.
Deteriorating Conditions Alleged
The most recent meeting between Ugandan authorities, UNHCR, and Burundian refugees took place in Kabazana A village, a notable location within Nakivale camp. This followed an earlier session in Nyarugugu, an urban center also located within the sprawling Nakivale camp. Following these critical meetings and the broader communication regarding repatriation, a declaration was issued by refugee representatives. This declaration starkly denounces a rapid deterioration of refugee protection within the camp, painting a concerning picture of the current environment. The declaration also alleged human rights violations, intimidation, and psychological pressure being exerted against the refugees, raising serious questions about the voluntariness of the repatriation process.
Reports from the camp indicate that essential humanitarian services for refugees, including vital healthcare and education, have been significantly reduced or, in some cases, entirely suspended. This reduction in services directly impacts the well-being and future prospects of the refugee population. Additionally, restrictions on movement are reportedly affecting the refugees' ability to sustain their livelihoods, preventing them from accessing markets, employment opportunities, or other resources necessary for self-reliance. This combination of reduced services and restricted movement exacerbates the already challenging living conditions within the camp.
Burundian refugees who recently arrived in Nakivale from Tanzania have reported recognizing initial signs reminiscent of their previous experiences in Nduta and Nyarugusu camps, suggesting a pattern of pressure to return. These new arrivals from Tanzania have also reported a severe lack of assistance since their arrival in Uganda, with some indicating they received no support since April, May, or June. "Certains d’entre nous sont arrivés en avril, d’autres en mai ou en juin, mais nous n’avons encore reçu aucune aide," one refugee who recently arrived from Tanzania stated, noting their dire situation. "Nous n’avons pas d’abris, nous devons louer nous-mêmes des maisons et nous ne recevons pas de nourriture. Nous vivons dans une situation très difficile." This poignant testimony indicates a critical lack of shelter, food, or other fundamental aid for these vulnerable individuals, forcing them into precarious living arrangements and further deepening their humanitarian crisis.
Refugee Demands and Rights
In response to these escalating concerns and alleged pressures, a dedicated group of refugee leaders has dispatched a full declaration to several key international bodies. This declaration has been sent to the UNHCR, various human rights organizations, diplomatic missions, and other international actors, showing the urgency and gravity of their situation. The declaration meticulously outlines the refugees' profound concerns and calls for immediate and decisive action from these influential bodies. Refugees are appealing for urgent intervention from these organizations and the broader international community to safeguard their rights and ensure their protection.
Their primary and unequivocal demand is that any potential return to Burundi must be strictly voluntary, safe, and conducted with dignity, adhering scrupulously to established international protection standards. This demand reflects a deep-seated fear of forced repatriation and a strong assertion of their right to choose their future. The refugees' appeal also emphasizes the fundamental principle of non-refoulement. This key international legal principle explicitly prohibits states from returning individuals to countries where they would face a substantial risk of persecution, torture, or other serious human rights violations. This principle is a cornerstone of international refugee law, serving as a vital safeguard to ensure that individuals seeking asylum are not forcibly repatriated to unsafe or life-threatening conditions. The refugees' declaration powerfully shows their belief that this fundamental right should be upheld and respected in all discussions, planning, and implementation regarding their potential repatriation to Burundi, ensuring that their safety and human dignity remain critical. They seek assurance that their return will not be coerced but will instead be a free and informed choice, made without duress or the threat of withdrawal of essential services.