Sudanese women refugees in Uganda face dire conditions, sexual assault,
July 3, 2024 (KAMPALA) – Sudanese women refugees in Uganda are reporting increasingly dire conditions within refugee camps, including repeated sexual assaults and a lack of basic necessities.
Fatima Mohammed (a pseudonym), speaking to Sudan Tribune through tears, described the hardship of life as a refugee and the ongoing threat of assault from individuals of various nationalities, including Congolese, South Sudanese, Kenyan, Ugandan, and Somali.
Mohammed highlighted the lack of sanitary pads, a critical monthly need for women, and the absence of adequate healthcare for pregnant women within the camps.
She called upon the UNHCR and the Ugandan government to provide increased security and protection, improve camp conditions, and ensure access to essential services for all refugees.
Disruptions to education and healthcare
Sudanese refugee Israa Hassan Hamza reports that harassment by students from other countries has caused many Sudanese families in refugee camps to withdraw their children from school.
Additionally, Hamza highlights a lack of primary healthcare leading to miscarriages among refugees. She recounts a recent incident where a refugee woman miscarried after Ugandan police used force during a clash with Sudanese refugees.
The absence of gynaecologists, obstetricians, and Sudanese midwives, especially for those with female genital mutilation, further compounds the issue. The hospital also lacks vitamins for pregnant women, and doctors require refugees to purchase them despite their financial constraints.
Another refugee, Hawa Mohamed al-Nur, points out the scarcity of job opportunities within the camp for both men and women, pushing them to seek alternative work for additional income.
Community centre offers hope and support
Dr. Adeeb Abdel Rahman, director of the “People for People” organization, explains that the opening of the Amal Community Multipurpose Centre in the Kiryandongo camp aims to address income generation and job creation for refugees.
The centre provides training to 50 refugees, including 30 new Sudanese arrivals, in making liquid soap and Vaseline. The goal is to increase their income and self-sufficiency.
Dr Abdel Rahman also reveals plans to establish a therapeutic camp staffed by doctors from various specialities to provide healthcare services to Sudanese refugees within the camp.
Beyond economic support, the centre focuses on conflict resolution, mental health, cultural and social activities, education, and art for peace. It functions as a partnership between the organization and the camp community.