Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-03 22:43:45
Uganda is facing a critical situation with its open-door refugee policy, as the country is struggling to raise between $800m and $1.2 billion annually to care for the ever-growing population of refugees. Eng Hilary Onek, the Minister for relief, disaster preparedness, and refugees, has warned that if the international community does not provide adequate support, Uganda may be forced to review its policy to avoid becoming overstretched.
“One small country like Uganda is overstretched. The open-door refugee policy is costing us a lot. If the international community doesn’t come to help and contain the situation, we may become hostile and review the policy. We feel sorry for the refugees, but it becomes a problem when it is abused. Those countries are obliged to take care of them,” Eng Onek expressed.
During a ceremony where Uganda exchanged 2,000 metric tonnes of rice donated by the government of Japan to the World Food Programme (WFP), Eng Onek highlighted the challenges faced by refugees, who often survive on just one meal a day. This dire situation has forced some refugees to resort to criminal activities such as theft and prostitution to make ends meet.
Mr Onek also disclosed that although WFP has purchased significant amounts of maize and beans from Uganda to support refugees, food insecurity remains a prevalent issue in many refugee settlements. The UNHCR is also struggling to secure international support to assist millions of refugees in Uganda.
Currently, Uganda hosts 1.6 million refugees, with an influx of 90,000 to 100,000 refugees entering the country daily. The majority of these refugees come from conflict-ridden countries like South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia. Despite Uganda’s progressive asylum and refugee support policies, refugees in settlements lack sufficient livelihood opportunities and continue to rely on humanitarian aid.
Eng Onek praised the ongoing support from the government of Japan for refugees in Uganda, while Mr. Marcus Prior, the deputy Country Director of WFP in Uganda, revealed that WFP spends approximately $5 million monthly on refugee welfare in the country. WFP provides food and cash assistance to 1.4 million refugees in Uganda, with a focus on the most vulnerable individuals.
In 2024, WFP requires $134 million to support refugees, prioritizing the most vulnerable households for food assistance. Those identified as very vulnerable receive 60% of the regular food rations, while less vulnerable families receive 30% of the minimum food ration. Non-vulnerable households are transitioned to long-term livelihood programs to become self-sustainable.
The Japanese ambassador to Uganda, Fukazawa Hidemoto, emphasized Japan’s commitment to humanitarian support in Uganda amid the refugee influx and multiple crises. The support targets new refugees in reception and transit centers during their most vulnerable period after fleeing a crisis. By working together with the international community, Uganda hopes to continue providing aid and support to refugees while addressing the challenges posed by the influx of displaced populations.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
