Ugandans living along the Uganda–DRC border are fleeing to the Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections next Thursday, citing fears of possible post-election violence. Residents in the Bunyoro and West Nile sub-regions, particularly those along Lake Albert in Hoima, Buliisa, and Kikuube, have quietly crossed into the DRC in search of safety, with many having relatives across the border.

The movement reflects growing anxiety in border communities, where locals are concerned that election-related unrest could disrupt peace. “Most people in the area fear there could be violence after the elections, compelling those with relatives in the DRC to cross over and seek early refuge,” said Joseph Kyamanywa, a voter from Bombo Sub-county in Hoima District. Charles Bahemurwaki, a resident of Wanseko landing site in Buliisa District, confirmed that several people are leaving discreetly through Lake Albert waters.

Edward Okello, a voter from Kasenyi-Lyato village in Buseruka Sub-county, Hoima District, said many locals fear credible threats of post-election violence. He appealed to security agencies to deploy heavily and prevent anyone who might attempt to disrupt peace during or after the elections.

Despite these fears, some residents remain confident in Uganda’s security arrangements. Collins Agaba, a voter at Buhuka landing site in Kangwali Sub-county, Kikuube District, said, “I am not bothered since the security of Ugandans is guaranteed during and after the elections,” adding that citizens should not fear but rather exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Robert Musika, living along the Uganda–DRC border in Hoima, urged calm, questioning why some residents have crossed into the DRC, insisting that the country’s security situation is stable. Similarly, Moses Asaba, LC3 Chairperson for Butiaba Town Council in Buliisa, acknowledged that some locals are seeking early refuge by crossing the border, often disguising themselves as traders. He reassured voters that Uganda’s security surveillance network is robust and capable of preventing any form of violence.

Ali Tinkamanyire, the LC3 Chairperson of Buseruka Sub-county, also confirmed that some residents have quietly crossed to the DRC. He appealed to voters to remain calm, assuring them that peace in the country will not be compromised, and encouraged high voter turnout to elect leaders of their choice.

In Ayivu West Constituency in Arua District, which borders the DRC, some voters are making contingency plans for safety due to uncertainties surrounding the elections. They cite Uganda’s history of election-related unrest in the 1970s and 1980s, and concerns about changing a government that has been in power for the last 40 years, as reasons for skepticism about security during and after the January 15 elections.

Bernard Atiku, an independent parliamentary candidate for Ayivu West, urged security agencies to remain vigilant while allowing residents to continue daily activities along the border. Christopher Obia, a retired police officer living near the border, reassured locals that if any insurgency were anticipated, intelligence would have already detected it.

Osman Ezale, Returning Officer of Arua City, emphasized that there is no need to fear post-election violence and encouraged voters along the border to ensure a peaceful electoral process. Julius Hakiza, Albertine region police spokesperson, said intelligence reports show a handful of residents along Lake Albert have crossed into the DRC due to fears of violence. He assured citizens of heightened security before, during, and after the elections, stating that the Uganda Police Force is fully tasked with maintaining peace, protecting voters, safeguarding electoral materials, and overseeing the tallying of results.

Kikuube Resident District Commissioner Godwine Angalia reiterated that voter security is guaranteed and urged residents not to fear. He confirmed that security personnel have been deployed at all porous border points to prevent infiltration by criminal elements from the DRC and appealed to locals to report any suspicious activities or objects.

As Uganda approaches its presidential and parliamentary elections, authorities continue to emphasize calm, vigilance, and participation, while border communities balance hope for peaceful elections with lingering concerns shaped by history and uncertainty.