Following combats in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), by 20 July 2013, more than 66,000 refugees crossed the border into Uganda. While many have returned home or remained at the border, about 15,000 have been transferred to the Bundibugyo transit centre, 25 kilometers away from the Ugandan border, according to UNHCR and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
As the transit centre was designed as a temporary refugee centre, the OPM and UNHCR are now planning a transfer of refugees to Kyangwali, a more permanent settlement further away from the border. It is anticipated that over 12,000 refugees will be transferred there. ACTED conducted an assessment to determine key needs and gaps at the settlement ahead of relocation, in partnership with Alliance2015 partners Welthungerhilfe and CESVI. Identified priorities include implementing water, sanitation and hygiene activities and supporting the resettlement process through crop production and improving infrastructure, as refugees will be allocated land on which to settle, construct houses and cultivate their own food upon arrival at the settlement.