Two Dead as Refugee Unrest Erupts Over Welfare Council Elections in Imvepi

What the report says

Two suspected male refugees died and several others were arrested after violent unrest at Imvepi Refugee Settlement in Terego District, northern Uganda, according to Watchdog Uganda. The disturbance took place on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Imvepi Base Camp in Yinga Village, Lugbari Parish, Odupi Sub-county, and was linked to disagreement over Refugee Welfare Council (RWC) elections.

The report said tensions rose after nominations for RWC positions held earlier in August left one candidate, identified as Loro Charles James, out of the final list. Police said he continued campaigning despite being told by Office of the Prime Minister officials and partners to stop. Supporters later marched to Imvepi Police Station demanding that the scheduled vote be suspended unless their preferred candidate was allowed to run.

Authorities say the protest turned destructive after attempts at dialogue. Buildings used by the Office of the Prime Minister, police, and UNHCR were set on fire or vandalized, along with property such as a motorcycle, a generator and vehicles. Two police officers were injured, and some detainees escaped during the chaos. Police later arrested four suspects and opened an arson and malicious damage case while investigations continued.

The incident matters because Imvepi is one of Uganda’s major refugee settlements and hosts many people from South Sudan. The unrest highlights how local election disputes in refugee communities can escalate into wider security incidents, prompting a larger police response and concern from humanitarian agencies.