REFUGEES IN IMVEPI CALL FOR SUSPENSION OF AID PARTNER OVER ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

By Federick Dramadri

Arua

New arrivals at the Reception Center in Imvepi (Photo by Dramadri Federick) 

Refugee leaders in Imvepi Refugee Settlement in Terego District have called for the suspension and possible ban of Hope Foundation, an implementing partner delivering humanitarian services in the settlement, following allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse.

In a letter dated 11 February 2026 addressed to UNHCR Uganda, UNICEF Uganda, Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Uganda Police Force Terego District, International Labour Organization (ILO), Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Hope Foundation, Uganda Civil Society Organizations, Faith Leaders, and the Media reasoned “Position Letter on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse at the Imvepi Community Multi-Purpose Center (Tank 65).”  Leaders from Tank 65 alleged that some staff members of Hope Foundation sexually harassed and exploited refugee girls and young women. The organization manages the Community Multi-Purpose Center under UNHCR coordination.

The Community representatives allege that a staff member, Daniel Okuru, impregnated a 17-year-old girl in the settlement.

They further claim that Thomas Okiri, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Hope Foundation, attempted to pressure the girl to terminate the pregnancy though the allegations have not been tested in court.

By press time her mother was bedridden and couldn’t speak to radio Pacis.

One of the Women leaders in Imvepi who spoke on condition of anonymity said, previous complaints had not been addressed.

“The girl spoke out very clearly that Thomas Okiri encouraged her to abort the child three times, but she refused. This is not the first time we have written memos regarding the behavior of staff of this organization. Up to today there is no feedback, which means our voices as women are not heard in Imvepi,” she expressed.

On 9 February 2026, refugee leaders reported a defilement case at the local police post. The following day, community members attempted to close the center but were stopped by police. Several were arrested and later charged with malicious damage to property.

Charles James Loro, a former refugee welfare leader, questioned the impartiality of the investigation.

“The Officer in Charge told us the staff are his friends and asked how he could arrest them. Are we joking when a minor is suffering? We want justice to prevail without threatening refugees,” he questioned.

West Nile Police spokesperson Josephine Angucia confirmed that investigations into the defilement allegations are ongoing.

“Police visited the scene, but the suspect was not found at his workstation. The police opened the case of malicious damage and the suspects of malicious damage were arrested but then for defilement inquiries are still ongoing,” Angucia stated.

Daniel Okuru is reportedly not reachable. Thomas Okiri declined detailed comment, stating, “The content we are talking about is very sensitive right now. The center was attacked by a mob, and we are investigating together with police.”

In their petition, refugee leaders called for the suspension of implicated staff, an independent and transparent investigation, survivor-centered medical and psychosocial support, and protection for witnesses and whistleblowers.

Sexual exploitation of refugees by aid workers in Uganda is punishable under national law, including the Penal Code Act, the Refugee Act 2006 and the Employment Act 2006.

Written by newsroom-radiopacis