Uganda, UNHCR urge global support for 1.9 million refugees

1 June 2025, 2:21 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Following the release of a joint statement by the Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, together with the representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Uganda, the international community has been urged to urgently step up support for refugees in Uganda. Failure to do so may result in increased difficulties in feeding and caring for the country’s refugee population, which currently stands at approximately 1.9 million.

The growing number of refugees has placed immense pressure on natural resources and worsened food insecurity. Refugees, like all people, have fundamental rights to employment, education, healthcare, and security, as protected by both national and international laws.

According to the joint statement, Uganda and UNHCR acknowledge the challenging global funding environment, which has affected both the government and UNHCR. As a result, staff reductions are being undertaken in close cooperation and consultation between the government and UNHCR. These measures reflect a broader global response to severe budget constraints.

“We deeply regret the impact on affected personnel and the refugees we serve. We reaffirm our strong and enduring partnership, grounded in a shared commitment to Uganda’s refugee response,” the statement reads.

The Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hillary Onek, and the UNHCR Representative in Uganda, Matthew Crentsil, emphasised that UNHCR and the government will continue to work hand in hand to ensure transparency, alignment with national priorities, and the continued delivery of essential services to refugees.

“We jointly call on the international community to urgently step up support. Uganda continues to play a vital role in hosting refugees, with over 110,000 new arrivals already recorded this year, bringing the total number to 1.9 million in 2025. Sustained international solidarity is essential to uphold Uganda’s exemplary refugee policy and ensure continued protection for those in need,” the statement further notes.

Uganda currently hosts refugees from more than 12 countries.