Uganda Arrests at Least 41 South Sudanese Refugees After Deadly Imvepi Riots

TEREGO, Uganda — August 27, 2026

Ugandan authorities have arrested at least 41 South Sudanese refugees following violent riots at the Imvepi Refugee Settlement in Terego District that left two refugees dead and several buildings damaged or burned.

The violence broke out on Tuesday, August 25, following a dispute over elections for the Refugee Welfare Council, which represents refugees and communicates their concerns to settlement authorities.

According to Ugandan police, a group of South Sudanese refugees protested after a candidate they supported was not included on the ballot. Police said the protesters marched to the Imvepi Police Station demanding that the election be cancelled unless their preferred candidate was allowed to participate.

The protest later turned violent, according to authorities. Offices belonging to Uganda's Office of the Prime Minister, the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR and police facilities were among the properties damaged or set on fire.

Two police officers were also reported injured, while vehicles, motorcycles and other property were damaged.

Police said two South Sudanese refugees were killed during the unrest. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

West Nile Regional Police spokesperson Josephine Angucia said four suspects were initially arrested on Tuesday. Another 37 people were detained on Wednesday, bringing the reported number in custody to at least 41.

Security forces were deployed to the settlement following the violence, and authorities said calm had returned. However, normal activities remained affected as investigations continued.

Imvepi Refugee Settlement in northwestern Uganda is home to thousands of refugees, many of them South Sudanese who fled conflict and insecurity.

The incident has raised concerns about security and tensions within refugee communities as authorities continue investigating the violence and damage.