Uganda: More South Sudanese Refugees Arrested Over Imvepi Riots

Forty-four South Sudanese refugees have been arrested in Terego District following riots at the Imvepi Refugee Settlement that damaged or burnt offices belonging to the Office of the Prime Minister, UNHCR and police. The violence erupted over a dispute about the Refugee Welfare Council elections, which were scheduled for the following day.

Four suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, while another 37 were detained on Wednesday by a joint security team. They are being investigated for arson, attempted murder, causing bodily injury to police officers, and malicious property damage. The suspects are being held at Terego Central Police Station and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Two refugees were killed during the riots when security personnel used live ammunition to disperse the crowd and restrain individuals attempting to grab police weapons. The bodies have been returned to their families for burial. The unrest started when a group of South Sudanese refugees supporting Loro Charles James marched to the Imvepi Police Station, demanding the cancellation of elections unless their preferred candidate was placed on the ballot paper.

The protesters then turned violent, stoning officers and damaging several buildings and property, including OPM offices, a police post, a UNHCR office block, and the OPM canteen. The full extent of the property damage is yet to be determined, but initial estimates suggest that billions of shillings worth of assets may have been destroyed.

Humanitarian equipment and vehicles were also reported to be damaged. Normal activities in the settlement have been suspended, and humanitarian organizations have evacuated their staff and belongings to Arua. Police have stated that they will continue pursuing individuals associated with the violence, and the incident has reignited concerns about tensions in Ugandan refugee settlements.