TEREGO — Two suspected refugees were killed and several others arrested after protests over Refugee Welfare Council (RWC) elections turned violent at Imvepi Refugee Settlement in Terego District.
The violence, which occurred on Tuesday, August 25, involved the burning and vandalism of government and humanitarian facilities, including offices belonging to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), police and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
West Nile Regional Police spokesperson Josephine Angucia said the unrest started after some South Sudanese refugees protested the exclusion of a candidate from the RWC election process.
The disputed nominations for RWC positions were conducted between August 10 and 14.
Four candidates reportedly sought nomination for the RWC Level Three position, but only two were cleared to contest.
One of those who was not nominated, identified as Loro Charles James, allegedly continued campaigning despite being directed to stop.
Police said the Office of the Prime Minister and its partners met the candidates on Monday, August 24, and instructed Mr Loro to discontinue his campaign.
The following day, his supporters reportedly marched to Imvepi Police Station carrying placards and demanding that the elections scheduled for August 26 be suspended until he was allowed to participate.
Authorities reportedly directed the protesters to an open playground where the matter could be discussed.
The situation, however, deteriorated into violence.
According to police, the protesters started throwing stones at security officers before setting fire to several buildings.
The OPM administrative block, Imvepi Police offices and barracks were reportedly burnt, while the UNHCR office block and OPM canteen were vandalised.
A police motorcycle and generator were also burnt, while two vehicles were damaged.
Two police officers were injured during the violence, while seven suspects who were being held in custody reportedly escaped amid the chaos.
Two killed
Police said two suspected male refugees died during the confrontation.
Their identities had not been established by Wednesday, while their bodies were taken to Arua Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem examinations.
Police later arrested four suspects identified as Aate Jackline, Ojosile Guido, Onziga Lawrence and Oru Santino.
A case of arson and malicious damage to property was opened at Terego Central Police Station under CRB 289/2026.
Additional security personnel from Maracha and the Field Force Unit were deployed to reinforce security in the settlement and prevent further violence.
The Uganda Red Cross Society also confirmed the unrest, saying its preliminary information linked the violence to dissatisfaction surrounding the RWC election process.
Police warn against violence
Ms Angucia condemned the destruction of property and urged refugees to use established settlement structures and other peaceful mechanisms to resolve disagreements.
She said investigations were continuing and warned that those found responsible for the violence would be brought to justice.
The incident comes as Uganda prepares for the RWC elections at a time when authorities and humanitarian agencies continue to encourage refugee communities to participate in leadership structures through peaceful and established processes.
Imvepi Refugee Settlement in Terego District hosts thousands of refugees, mainly from neighbouring South Sudan, who fled conflict and insecurity in their country.