Human rights defenders and refugee community members are raising serious concerns following a frequent brutal attacks against Congolese refugees in Kampala – the Uganda capital.

The attacks highlight what advocates describe as a growing pattern of violence and impunity that target refugees.

The reduction of financial and material support by refugee agency United Nations High Commission for Refugee (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme has made them more vulnerable to attacks and exploitation, which human rights defenders say dehumanises the aliens.

A statement by human rights defenders, Umutoni, which is affiliated to Pugna Malum International, says one of the victims Umulambe Kasim, “a Congolese refugee reportedly suffering from mental health distress, was violently assaulted and repeatedly stabbed by members of the local community in Bakuri Slum.”

As of March 1, this year, Uganda had a refugee population of 1,986,814, according to UNHCR latest statistics. The numbers have in the past two years risen rapidly following resurgence of conflicts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and the Sudan.

The country also hosts to refugees from Rwanda, Burundi and Central African Republic.

The refugee numbers led to high presence of humanitarian organisations who have given rise to “refugee economy” phenomenon in the East African country. 

The “refugee economy” – derived from the perception that refugees get preferential treatment from international humanitarian groups – created a social and economic distance between host communities and the aliens.

The disparities are a source of conflict between host communities and refugees, with the latter getting the short end of the stick. The human rights defenders’ statement issued in Ugandan capital, Kampala, last week-end, said the attackers accused him of making constant noise that disturbed their sleep.

“Kasim was later discovered by neighbours lying in a pool of blood at his mother’s rental home, with severe wounds across his body from head to toe. Police reportedly took him to Mulago National Referral Hospital in critical condition,” it said.

His mother, a 56-year-old destitute refugee, currently lacks the financial support to cover his medical expenses. Doctors at Mulago Hospital reportedly requested a down payment for treatment for the services, which she could raise.

Even more alarming, residents allegedly threatened the victim’s mother with violence if she attempts to report the attack to law enforcement authorities.

Human rights advocates say this incident reflects a broader pattern of violence against refugees in Uganda. Several refugees have reportedly been beaten by members of host communities and later died from injuries in hospitals without meaningful investigations or accountability.

Among the victims frequently cited by refugee communities are: Gabriel Murengezi, Mukamana Asumaya and Mpambara Amani.

These incidents reportedly occurred in refugee settlements including: Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement, Kyangwali Refugee Settlement and Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement

Refugee community leaders say that despite these repeated incidents, no meaningful investigations or justice mechanisms have been pursued by Ugandan security authorities.

Refugee advocates are also expressing concern that institutions responsible for refugee protection – including the Government of Uganda, the Office of the Prime Minister Uganda (OPM) and UNHCR – have largely remained silent while attacks against refugees continue.

Community leaders say lack of accountability creates the impression that the lives and safety of refugees are not treated as a priority. Under international refugee protection standards, host governments are obligated to guarantee the safety, dignity, and protection of refugees within their territory.

Human rights advocates are calling for urgent action, including: an independent and transparent investigation into the attack on Umulambe Kasim; protection for the victim’s mother and family from intimidation and retaliation, immediate medical assistance for the victim at Mulago National Referral Hospital, accountability for individuals responsible for violence against refugees in host communities and broader investigation into past cases of violence against refugees in Ugandan settlements.

Human rights organisations and the international community are urged to closely monitor the situation and engage with Ugandan authorities to ensure that refugees are protected from violence, discrimination, and impunity.

“Refugees who have fled conflict and persecution should not face new threats to their lives in the countries where they seek protection,” the human rights defenders appealed.

• A Tell Media report / By Special Correspondent