HIGHLIGHTS
In the reporting period, a total of 278 Burundian refugees arrived in Uganda, higher than last week’s 179 new arrivals.
Of these, 79 refugees were received at Kabazana Reception Centre, up from 36 new arrivals reported last week. Eight individuals were transported from Mirama Hills and Bugango border points, 16 were referred from Kampala and 55 individuals directly arrived at the reception centre.
The new arrivals are mainly coming from Bujumbura, Muyinga, Kirundo, Kibitoke and Bubanza province, citing insecurity in Burundi as reason for fleeing. The arrival trend is increasing and more people are expected to arrive should the reported insecurity in Burundi continue.
UNHCR’s Deputy High Commissioner Kelly Clements was in the country from 14-16 November as part of a three-day regional mission. She was accompanied by Commissioner for Refugees David Apollo Kazungu, UNHCR Africa Bureau Director Valentin Tapsoba and UNHCR Country Representative Neimah Warsame to Nakivale Refugee Settlement, where they met with refugees at Kabazana Reception Centre and Kashojwa village, and attended an arts and crafts exhibition showcasing refugee livelihoods at the Vocational Training Centre. Ms. Clements commended the Government of Uganda and partners for addressing refugees’ welfare, particularly through the promotion of sustainable livelihoods and food security. Upon her return to Kampala, Clements addressed a meeting of representatives from the Government, donor community and UN agencies.
UPDATE ON ACHIEVEMENTS
Operational context
- At Kabazana Reception Centre, UNHCR/OPM and the American Refugee Committee (ARC) conducted the weekly joint physical headcount to ascertain the l number of residents. A total of 1,148 individuals are currently residing at the centre (923 Burundians, 172 Congolese, 46 Rwandese and seven Sudanese). This is up from last week’s 1,336 individuals (Burundians-876, Congolese-376, Rwandese-64 and 20 Sudanese). The centre can accommodate up to 1,500 individuals.