On the outskirts of Biale in Uganda, the Kriandongo refugee camp stands as a place of both loss and resilience, where thousands of people fleeing war in Sudan are attempting to rebuild their lives. Since the conflict erupted in April 2023, nearly 600,000 Sudanese refugees have arrived, many after exhausting journeys across multiple borders, carrying little more than memories of the lives they left behind.
Located about 275 kilometres from Kampala, the camp hosts not only Sudanese refugees but also people from countries including South Sudan, Burundi, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. Despite diverse backgrounds, residents share a common struggle—coping with displacement while trying to start over.
Among them is Hussein Hashim Taiman, a civil engineer who once worked with the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur. After fleeing Omdurman with his children in 2023, he now lives in a tent and serves as a leader within the Sudanese refugee community in Kriandongo. He describes a life shaped by hardship but strengthened by solidarity, as refugees support one another through shared experiences of loss.
Conditions in the camp remain difficult. Aid has decreased over time, and temporary shelters meant to last months have become long-term homes. Access to healthcare, education, water, and food is limited, forcing residents to rely heavily on community-driven solutions.
One such initiative is the rise of community kitchens, which have become vital in addressing hunger. Initially formed in response to cuts in food assistance by the World Food Programme, these kitchens now serve as a lifeline for many families. Mutasim Mohamed Ahmed, who once worked in international trade, now helps run these kitchens, emphasizing how they have prevented malnutrition and saved lives within the camp.
Support also comes from individuals like Dr. Widad Makki, a former academic from Khartoum who now lives in Kampala. Through her work with a local organization, she regularly travels to the camp to provide meals and assistance, driven by a sense of responsibility toward fellow Sudanese refugees.
Outside the camp, some refugees have managed to rebuild professional lives. Sudanese doctors, including Dr. Abdul Jabbar Ahmed Adam, have resumed their careers in Ugandan hospitals, contributing to the local healthcare system while supporting diverse communities. Their presence highlights the skills and expertise many refugees bring with them.
Others, like entrepreneur Ibrahim Zakaria Yahya, have established businesses after years of perseverance. Having arrived in Uganda in 2008, he eventually built a livelihood in Biale and opened a hotel named “The White Heart,” symbolizing hope, coexistence, and a desire for peace after years of conflict.
Despite these stories of resilience, uncertainty remains. Many refugees continue to face limited opportunities, rising living costs, and concerns about education for their children. The hope of returning home persists, but with the conflict ongoing, that future remains unclear.
For now, life in Kriandongo continues with determination and quiet strength. Amid hardship, Sudanese refugees are finding ways to support each other, rebuild dignity, and hold on to hope for a peaceful future.
