Uganda, Zambia: Burundian Refugee Forced Repatriation Pressure

• Burundian refugees in Uganda and Zambia are facing increasing pressure to repatriate, with awareness meetings held in Nakivale and Meheba camps.
• While some refugees are returning from Uganda, those in Zambia's Meheba camp express significant fears of reprisals and insecurity in Burundi.
• Ugandan authorities and UNHCR have warned Burundian refugees to prepare for return before their refugee status ends in the first half of 2028.
• Refugees are invoking the non-refoulement principle and calling for international intervention to ensure any returns are strictly voluntary, safe, and dignified.
• Over 33,000 Burundian refugees in Uganda's Nakivale camp and approximately 5,000 in Zambia's Meheba camp are affected by these developments.

Refugees are explicitly invoking this principle, underscoring their demand for protection against involuntary repatriation.

Burundian refugees residing in Uganda and Zambia are experiencing increasing pressure to return to their home country. Recent weeks have seen multiple awareness-raising meetings about voluntary repatriation held almost simultaneously in Uganda's Nakivale camp and Zambia's Meheba camp. While some Burundian refugees in Uganda have begun returning, those in Zambia express significant safety concerns regarding such a move.

Officials conducting these meetings have presented two primary arguments for return: the purported restoration of stability within Burundi and the stated readiness of Burundian authorities to welcome back their citizens, offering assistance with resettlement. Notably, Burundian officials have engaged directly with their citizens in Uganda over the past five years to encourage their return, a level of direct engagement not observed in Zambia. This concerted effort highlights a growing push for Burundian refugee returns from both host nations.

The Nakivale camp in southwestern Uganda recently facilitated one of the largest repatriation convoys recorded this year, with over 170 Burundian refugees returning last weekend. This group traveled through Tanzania before entering Burundi from the northeast, as the direct route via Rwanda remains inaccessible due to ongoing diplomatic tensions and a closed border between Gitega and Kigali. Simultaneously, authorities in Uganda, alongside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), have issued warnings to Burundian refugees, advising them to prepare for their return ahead of the announced cessation of their refugee status, slated for the first half of 2028. This looming deadline is a significant source of anxiety for many refugees, who report deteriorating living conditions in the camps and fear that the current pressure could compel them into repatriation decisions that are not entirely voluntary.

In Zambia, Burundian refugees in the Meheba camp have reacted with considerably more caution to calls for their return. Representatives from the refugee community articulated during camp meetings that they do not perceive Burundi as a safe environment for their return. They cited fears of reprisals, noting that some individuals among them have previously endured imprisonment, torture, and are currently wanted. This deep-seated mistrust underscores the complex security considerations facing these populations.

A representative from Zambia's Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security reportedly informed these refugees that individuals who believe they cannot safely return must provide individual proof of their circumstances. Concurrently, the official urged other refugees to view repatriation as a sustainable resolution to their prolonged exile. These statements reflect a nuanced approach from host governments, balancing humanitarian concerns with the desire to find lasting solutions for refugee populations.

Concerns among Burundian refugees in both Uganda and Zambia are further amplified by recent experiences in Tanzania, particularly within the Nduta and Nyarugusu camps. Refugees from these camps previously reported experiencing pressure to return before their closures, fueling fears that similar scenarios might unfold in Nakivale and Meheba. This historical context contributes to the apprehension surrounding the current repatriation efforts, raising questions about the truly voluntary nature of returns.

Amidst the increasing calls for Burundian refugee returns, the international principle of non-refoulement has become a central point of contention. This fundamental tenet of international law prohibits the return of any person to a country where they face a risk of persecution, inhuman treatment, or other severe violations of their fundamental human rights. Refugees are explicitly invoking this principle, underscoring their demand for protection against involuntary repatriation.

Refugee communities are urgently appealing to UNHCR, human rights organizations, diplomatic missions, and the broader international community for intervention. Their plea is to ensure that any return to Burundi is conducted under conditions that are strictly voluntary, safe, and dignified. This call highlights the critical role of international oversight in safeguarding the rights of vulnerable populations, particularly as host nations and international bodies like UNHCR navigate the complexities of long-term refugee situations and the prospect of ending refugee status, as announced for Uganda by 2028.

The scale of the situation is substantial, impacting tens of thousands of Burundian refugees across the region. Uganda's Nakivale camp, located in the southwestern part of the country, currently hosts over 150,000 refugees in total, with more than 33,000 of these being Burundian nationals. In northwestern Zambia, the Meheba camp provides shelter to over 30,000 refugees, including approximately 5,000 Burundians, alongside Congolese and individuals from other nations.

For these significant populations of Burundian refugees in Uganda and Zambia, the overarching challenge remains consistent: the ability to freely determine their future. This fundamental right is being tested in an environment where calls for their return are intensifying, yet robust security guarantees for their safety upon repatriation remain a paramount and unresolved concern. The interplay of host country policies, international humanitarian principles, and individual fears creates a complex landscape for these communities.

Lawyers representing Burundian refugees in Uganda and Zambia should be aware of increasing pressure for repatriation, monitoring for potential violations of the non-refoulement principle and advising clients on their rights regarding voluntary return and refugee status, especially with the announced end of refugee status in Uganda by 2028.

Source: Original reporting via Kampala/Lusaka, August 5, 2026