The United Nations World Food Programme has announced a contribution of 11 million US dollars to provide monthly, unconditional, life-saving food assistance to more than 1.3 million refugees across 13 camps in Uganda.
Abdul Rahman Mejaj, from the World Food Programme in Uganda, stated that this contribution undoubtedly provides relief to the most vulnerable families in the refugee camps. He added that since the beginning of 2024, nearly 40,000 newly arrived refugees have been registered in Uganda, mostly women, children, and the elderly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan.
The UN official also noted that in 2023, 130,000 new refugees were registered and since 2014, the number of refugees in Uganda has quadrupled from 390,000 to 1.6 million, which is the highest number in any African country.
He mentioned that many of the newly arriving refugees are fleeing conflicts in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and Sudan. They reach the borders on foot or by bus. Despite Uganda’s progressive policy on supporting refugees, the livelihood opportunities available for refugees in Uganda are limited to support themselves and they continue to rely on humanitarian aid.
Uganda is one of the largest refugee-hosting nations globally, with significant numbers stemming from ongoing conflicts in neighboring countries such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These refugees primarily reside in 13 districts across the North and South-Western regions and the capital, Kampala, living in settlements that are integrated with local communities.
The country is known for its progressive refugee policies, which are among the most generous globally. Uganda allows refugees significant freedom of movement and the right to work and own businesses, which helps them integrate better into society. Despite these policies, many refugees still face challenges such as limited job opportunities and reliance on humanitarian assistance.
Efforts to improve refugees’ self-reliance are ongoing, with initiatives aimed at enhancing their security and independence through agricultural and non-agricultural job opportunities.
