The United States government has earmarked over $25 million (approximately Shs 95.3 billion) to support refugee assistance and food security initiatives in Uganda. This funding, administered through USAID and the Department of State, aims to address the pressing needs of refugees grappling with food insecurity and the aftermath of regional conflicts, stated Jessica Jennings, a spokesperson for USAID.
Of the total allocation, $11 million is designated for the World Food Program (WFP), while more than $14 million is allocated to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). These funds will facilitate the provision of crucial aid, including monthly food assistance, healthcare, education, and emergency relief, benefiting over 1.6 million refugees currently hosted by Uganda.
Uganda, known as Africa’s largest refugee host, has witnessed a surge in refugee arrivals in recent months, with over 130,000 new arrivals recorded last year alone. These refugees primarily originate from conflict-ridden nations such as South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Sudan. In light of this, the US government calls on other nations to increase their humanitarian support to Uganda to address these pressing challenges.
The US reaffirms its commitment to providing assistance without discrimination, even as concerns persist regarding Uganda’s human rights record, particularly in the wake of recent legal decisions. Despite ongoing reductions in aid due to factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict, the US emphasizes the importance of upholding the dignity and rights of all individuals within Uganda.
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has allocated €27.5 million (about Shs 111.7 billion) for humanitarian aid in Uganda for 2024, reflecting a slight decrease from the previous year’s €30.5 million (Shs 124 billion). This reduction is part of broader efforts to transition from humanitarian aid to development cooperation, although challenges posed by global crises like the Russia-Ukraine conflict have complicated this transition process.
