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Uganda's Refugee Camps Overwhelmed as Violence in Congo Forces Thousands to Flee

Uganda is facing a growing humanitarian crisis as overcrowding worsens in its refugee camps, following a sharp rise in the number of people fleeing ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the situation has reached a critical point and requires immediate international attention and support.

Matthew Crentsil, UNHCR’s representative in Uganda, reported that more than 41,000 refugees—mostly women and children—have crossed the border into Uganda from eastern Congo since the beginning of this year alone. The majority of them arrived in a severely weakened state, suffering from hunger, trauma, and lack of medical care.

These individuals are escaping the deadly conflict between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel militia in the Goma region, just 70 kilometers from the Ugandan border. Witnesses and survivors have shared terrifying accounts of violence, including entire communities being displaced and homes being razed to the ground.

“Uganda already hosts 1.8 million refugees, the largest number in Africa,” Crentsil explained. “But with funding shortages and increasing arrivals, the country’s resources are stretched to the breaking point. Essential services such as childcare, education, and healthcare are being scaled back due to lack of funding.”

Crentsil noted that authorities are now prioritizing the prevention of disease outbreaks as crowded conditions and limited sanitation raise concerns about the rapid spread of illnesses.

UNHCR has appealed for urgent international aid to address the crisis, warning that the current humanitarian infrastructure cannot withstand the growing burden. Without additional resources, the health, safety, and dignity of refugees will be at further risk.

Despite Uganda’s continued hospitality and its open-door policy toward asylum seekers, the strain on the nation's economy and social services is immense. Humanitarian agencies warn that without swift global support, the situation could spiral into a full-scale emergency.

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