Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-04-09 21:41:18
The challenges faced by refugees in Uganda are stark and severe, as they grapple with the aftermath of natural disasters and conflicts in neighboring countries. With over 1.6 million refugees in the country, the majority hailing from war-torn regions like South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Sudan, the situation is dire.
Refugees in Uganda are housed in 13 different settlements, each managed by Settlement Commandants who have some degree of autonomy. One such settlement is Kiryandongo, located in Bweyale District, approximately 224 kilometers from Kampala. Here, refugees face extreme heat, hunger, vulnerability, and desperation on a daily basis.
The arrival of 8,000 refugees from Sudan, where a devastating war has ravaged the country for over a year, has added to the strain on resources and services in the settlement. The UN estimates that 1,500 people flee Khartoum every day to seek refuge in South Sudan and Uganda, putting immense pressure on the already stretched resources.
The recent distribution of aid in the Kiryandongo settlement led to chaotic scenes as women fought to receive food rations from relief agencies like the World Food Program (WFP). The scarcity of resources and tight budgets have forced agencies to ration food, leading to desperation and tensions among the refugee population.
The government of Uganda acknowledges the strain on resources and is considering reevaluating its open-door refugee policy. Minister of relief, disaster preparedness, and refugees Eng Hillary Onek highlighted the challenges faced by the country in providing for refugees, estimating an annual budget of $800 million to $1.2 billion for refugee assistance.
International aid is crucial in supporting the refugee population in Uganda, with countries like the UAE contributing towards food aid and nutritional support. Approximately $5 million is spent monthly by the WFP on refugee welfare in Uganda, but funding shortfalls are a looming concern that could lead to further cuts in assistance.
The WFP and other organizations are implementing a needs-based approach to food assistance, focusing on vulnerable populations while facing budget constraints. The classification system for vulnerability has sparked debate among refugees, with concerns raised about equitable distribution of resources.
Despite the challenges, there is a call for collaboration and support from the international community to address the root causes of the conflicts that force people to become refugees. Dr. Chiwangu emphasized the need for collective action to end the conflicts in countries like South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which are driving the refugee crisis in Uganda.
In conclusion, the situation for refugees in Uganda is complex and challenging, with limited resources and ongoing conflicts exacerbating their plight. International support and cooperation are essential to provide for the basic needs and ensure the well-being of the refugee population in the country.
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