A Response That Made a Difference, A Need That Continues

A project officer helps a new arrival carry her mattress and blanket during a distribution of Core Relief Items to the new arrivals in Nakivale refugee settlement. Photo: LWF

As the Emergency Response to the DR Congo Conflict (2024–2026) ends, its impact in Nakivale Refugee Settlement is both visible and deeply felt. Funded by ACT Alliance and implemented by the Lutheran World Federation from January 2025 to March 2026, the project has supported 122,510 refugees and host community members with life-saving services across WASH, Shelter, and Protection. We are deeply grateful for ACT Alliance’s support, which has made it possible to restore dignity and strengthen resilience for those most affected by displacement.

From extending safe water access to 19,905 people, to supporting over 462 vulnerable households with dignified shelter, the response has addressed urgent needs while laying foundations for longer-term wellbeing. Community-led approaches have been central. Refugee youth have constructed shelters through cash-for-work, peer educators have driven awareness on GBV prevention and sexual and reproductive health, and trained community structures continue to provide psychosocial support and protection services at the grassroots level. The integration of services has been key. Mobile mental health clinics reached 1,865 individuals in hard-to-access areas, while women and children accessed tailored protection services, 50 youths and 138 Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors and women at risk acquired vocational skills. These efforts have not only met immediate needs but also strengthened local capacity to respond to ongoing challenges. The project also supported 192 persons with disabilities with assistive devices.

Yet, as this phase ends, the context continues to evolve. Nakivale remains a point of arrival for refugees fleeing ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo. New families continue to arrive, often with urgent and complex needs, placing additional pressure on already stretched services and infrastructure.

The progress made through this response demonstrates what is possible with timely and coordinated support. At the same time, it highlights the importance of sustaining and building on these gains. Continued investment will be essential to ensure that new arrivals can access the same life-saving support, and that community-based systems remain functional and responsive.

As needs persist, so does the opportunity to protect dignity, strengthen resilience and support communities to move forward.