EU Commits €18 Million to Bolster Uganda’s Refugee Response Efforts

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The European Union (EU) has pledged a substantial contribution of Shs78.2 billion to bolster Uganda’s refugee response efforts, with a specific focus on making the response more sustainable. This significant investment reflects the EU’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s response to refugees.

Mr. Jan Sadek, the EU Ambassador to Uganda, announced that the EU has allocated €6.5 million (equivalent to Shs26 billion) for the programmatic partnership this year. Furthermore, the EU has committed an additional €19.5 million (about Shs78.2 billion) for the years 2023–2025. This three-year program is designed to provide funding predictability and aims to transform Uganda into a model for sustainable refugee response.

What makes this partnership unique is that it represents the first of its kind between the EU and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and it’s also the first partnership dedicated to a single country. The EU’s Humanitarian Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) will work in collaboration with UNHCR to implement this initiative.

Mr. Sadek praised Uganda for its open-door policy, which allows refugees to access protection, health, education services, and opportunities for work and business creation.

This commitment from the EU comes at a critical time when Uganda is grappling with challenges in funding refugee support due to reduced international financial assistance. Mr. Mathew Crentsil, the UNHCR representative in Uganda, commended the partnership for providing funding predictability and aligning with the government’s and UNHCR’s long-term objectives.

Nonetheless, Mr. Hilary Onek, the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, emphasized the need for durable solutions to refugee challenges, including efforts to promote peace in neighboring countries. He also mentioned the government’s intention to secure a loan of Shs1.0 trillion ($280 million) from the World Bank to support refugees in Uganda. This highlights the increasing challenges faced by refugees in settlements and their potential impact on host communities.

This EU commitment underscores the importance of collective efforts to create a sustainable and supportive environment for refugees in Uganda.

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