Two refugees killed as rioters burn OPM office, police facilities in Terego

What the report says

Nile Post reports that violent unrest at Imvepi Refugee Settlement in Terego District left two refugees dead and several government, police and humanitarian facilities destroyed. The incident happened on Tuesday, August 25, a day before planned Refugee Welfare Council elections, after disputes over nominations for a leadership race at the settlement.

According to the report, the trouble centered on the RWC Level 3 contest, where four candidates had sought nomination but only two were approved. Police said supporters of one unsuccessful aspirant, identified as Loro Charles James, protested after he continued campaigning despite not making the ballot. The demonstration escalated when a group marched to Imvepi Police Station, demanding that the vote be cancelled unless their preferred candidate was included.

Police and local officials said rioters stoned officers and set fire to the Office of the Prime Minister administrative block, police offices and barracks, as well as damaging a UNHCR office block, an OPM canteen, a police motorcycle and a generator. Two vehicles were also badly damaged, two officers were injured, and seven detainees were reportedly freed during the attack. Four suspects have been arrested, while additional security forces were deployed and the fire brigade responded.

Nile Post says the exact circumstances of the deaths remain under investigation, with conflicting accounts over whether shots were fired during the confrontation. Police have opened an arson and malicious damage case and urged refugees to pursue grievances through peaceful and lawful means.