Uganda, one of Africa’s largest refugee-hosting countries, is now on the brink of a humanitarian crisis. Officials from the Prime Minister’s office have raised the alarm following the announcement by major international donors that food aid will be discontinued within the next three months in a move that threatens the wellbeing of over 1.7 million refugees.
“Donors have made it clear that their support will only extend for the next three months. After that, we must find a solution. We cannot afford to pause when it comes to feeding 1.7 million individuals,” stated Kasule Lumumba, Minister for General Duties at the Office of the Prime Minister.
The minister stressed the urgency of the situation, suggesting that parliament and the government may have to review current refugee policies as part of the response.
Uganda’s open-door policy
Uganda has built a reputation for offering refuge to people fleeing conflict in neighboring countries. In the past year alone, Uganda received 110,452 refugees and asylum seekers, including 90,660 from the war-hit Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the Office of the Prime Minister.
See also: Uganda considering review of refugee policy as less foreign aid is provided
This influx has pushed the total refugee population to an overwhelming 1,759,496, putting significant pressure on the country’s resources and infrastructure. For years, these vulnerable groups have relied heavily on food assistance from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and other international organizations which are largely funded by donor nations such as the United States, the European Union, and Canada.
The government has acknowledged that donors have played a vital role in addressing food insecurity and preventing malnutrition, particularly among children, pregnant women, and the elderly in various refugee settlements across the country.
The loss of this support now threatens to worsen conditions, risking increased malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and potential social unrest.
Refugees gripped by anxiety and uncertainty
Anxiety and uncertainty are growing in refugee settlements across Uganda as the clock ticks down on the availability of essential food aid. Many refugees rely on this support to survive and the impending cuts leave them with few options.
“We are deeply concerned about our ability to care for our children,” explained Nyaluk Garanga, a South Sudanese refugee living in the Bidi Bidi settlement in northern Uganda. “We’re already depending on smaller food rations to support our families. If the food aid is cut off, what will we have to eat? How will our children make it?”
Kasamba Mpala, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, echoed this despair:
“I have four children, and I can’t provide for them without food support. Without food assistance, we feel abandoned and hopeless. What are we supposed to do? Just wait and die?”
Experts warn of dire consequences
Humanitarian experts are sounding the alarm and calling for an urgent and coordinated response to avert disaster.
“The consequences for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, are deeply concerning. The cessation of donor funding for food assistance to refugees represents a significant setback for both Uganda and the refugees who rely on this vital support,” stated Dr. Sarah Nakimuli, a humanitarian policy analyst based in Kampala.
She continued:
“Malnutrition rates among refugees are already problematic, and the withdrawal of food aid could worsen this situation, leading to heightened health risks and the potential for loss of life.”
Concerns in parliament and government response
The announcement by donors has caused alarm in parliament with MPs demanding clear government plans to avert the impending food crisis.
Alex Byarugaba, Chairperson of the Presidential Affairs Committee, questioned the government’s readiness.
“With our open-door policy for refugees in mind, what measures are the government implementing to avert a potential crisis? In three months, these individuals may find themselves without food. Are we going to do nothing?”
Busia Woman MP, Hellen Auma, underscored the urgent need for sustainable funding strategies to address the growing refugee population and questioned the government’s ability to meet the escalating demands for resources.
“What plans does the Office of the Prime Minister have to secure adequate funding in light of the increasing number of refugees? Relocation is a lengthy process, especially in the wake of domestic disasters like landslides. With more refugees arriving, how will the government ensure effective management?”
In response, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja stated that her office has held emergency meetings with relevant ministries and international partners to formulate a contingency plan and during a press conference, she confirmed:
“We understand the challenges faced by our donor partners, but we cannot disregard the millions of refugees who depend on us for survival. We are committed to working with the international community to find a sustainable solution to meet the basic needs of refugees.”
Why are donors cutting aid?
Hillary Onek, the Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, explained that ongoing global crises are severely straining donor capacities.
“We spoke with the World Food Programme, and they mentioned that their donors have pulled back funding due to the multitude of global issues,” he explained.
See also: Africa sees its foreign aid declining: What’s behind the shift?
Onek cited several factors, including declining global economic conditions worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, all of which have put pressure on donor budgets.
“Many donor countries are increasingly reallocating funds to bolster their own economic recovery and to assist Ukrainian refugees,” he added.
