Uganda: More South Sudanese Refugees Arrested Over Imvepi Riots

What the report says

Ugandan police have arrested more than 40 South Sudanese refugees in Terego District after unrest at Imvepi Refugee Settlement, according to The Independent of Kampala via AllAfrica. The arrests were linked to riots on Tuesday that damaged or burned offices and other property belonging to the Office of the Prime Minister, UNHCR and police.

The article says the violence began over a dispute tied to Refugee Welfare Council elections scheduled for Wednesday. Police reported that supporters of one candidate marched to Imvepi Police Station with placards demanding the vote be cancelled unless their preferred nominee was included. The protest later escalated into stone-throwing, vandalism and fires. Officials said additional arrests were made on Wednesday, and detainees were being held at Terego Central Police Station.

West Nile police spokesperson Josephine Angucia said those detained were being investigated for alleged arson, attempted murder, assault on police officers and malicious damage to property. The report also says two refugees were killed during the unrest after security forces used live ammunition while trying to disperse the crowd and prevent people from grabbing officers’ guns; the circumstances remain under investigation.

Calm has since returned, but normal activity in the settlement remains suspended and some development partners have moved staff and belongings to Arua. The incident highlights recurring tensions in refugee settlements over local leadership, aid and services, while authorities continue to search for others involved.