Call to Protect Genuine Refugees from South Sudan

(OPINION | Likambu Isaac)

Refugee Community Statement on the Radio Pacis Report on National ID Possession

(WEST NILE, UGANDA) – We, members of the refugee community living in the West Nile districts, have noted the information shared by Radio Pacis regarding the ongoing crackdown by authorities on refugees found in possession of Uganda National Identification Cards.

We sincerely appreciate the decisive action taken by the Government of Uganda and district authorities to protect the integrity of the national identification system and to uphold the laws governing refugee status and citizenship.

These measures are important for maintaining order, protecting national security and preserving the credibility of refugee protection systems.

At the same time, we respectfully draw the attention of the authorities to a serious concern that affects both refugees and host communities.

There are Ugandan nationals whose villages and permanent homes are located only a few kilometres from refugee settlements, yet they have registered themselves as refugees.

Some of these individuals now present themselves as refugees who obtained National IDs, creating the misleading impression that refugees are illegally accessing Ugandan citizenship documents.

We strongly believe that this practice undermines the integrity of the refugee registration system, distorts the targeting of humanitarian assistance, and unfairly places genuine refugees under suspicion.

We therefore respectfully request that the ongoing crackdown also includes investigations into Ugandan nationals who have falsely registered as refugees, so that appropriate corrective action can be taken.

We reaffirm our commitment, as refugees, to respect the laws of Uganda, to comply with all registration and documentation procedures, and to cooperate fully with the authorities.

We trust that the government will continue to handle this matter with fairness, accuracy and sensitivity, ensuring that genuine refugees are protected while irregular practices are addressed in a comprehensive manner.

We thank the authorities for their continued leadership and for upholding justice and accountability for the benefit of both refugees and host communities.

By Concerned Members of the Refugee Community in West Nile, Arua, Uganda.

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