Lillian aber raises alarm over refugee funding crisis as uganda hosts more than 2 million refugees

REFUGEES

Kampala, Uganda | Minister of state for relief, disaster preparedness and refugees, Hon. Lillian Aber, has raised concern over growing financing pressures facing uganda’s refugee response as the country continues to host more than two million refugees.

aber said the increasing refugee population, coupled with declining humanitarian funding, is placing additional pressure on essential services and programmes supporting both refugees and host communities.

the funding shortfalls are affecting critical areas including food assistance, education, healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene (wash), and protection services.

uganda currently hosts more than two million refugees, making it one of africa’s major refugee-hosting countries. the increasing population has also increased demand for public services and infrastructure in refugee-hosting communities.

according to aber, the decline in humanitarian financing requires government and its partners to explore more sustainable approaches to funding the refugee response.

one of the options being explored is the repurposing of eligible and underutilised development resources, particularly through the world bank’s window for refugees and host communities.

the financing mechanism is intended to support longer-term development interventions in communities hosting refugees, helping to strengthen access to services, livelihoods and economic opportunities for both refugees and host populations.

aber said government remains committed to strengthening coordination, oversight and partnerships among government institutions, humanitarian organisations, development partners and other stakeholders involved in the refugee response.

she emphasised that sustaining uganda’s open-door refugee policy will require stronger and more predictable financing, particularly as humanitarian resources continue to come under pressure.

the government is also seeking to promote greater self-reliance among refugees, while ensuring that host communities benefit from investments in education, health, water, livelihoods and other essential services.

the minister said the government’s approach is aimed at ensuring that refugees are not only supported during humanitarian emergencies but are also given opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the communities where they live.

the funding challenge has therefore increased the need for closer cooperation between government and development partners to mobilise resources and ensure that essential services are maintained.

government says strengthening sustainable financing mechanisms will be critical to protecting vulnerable populations while supporting the resilience and development of refugee-hosting communities across uganda.