The European Union (EU) has announced a €4 million (Shs16bn) humanitarian aid package aimed at supporting Sudanese refugees seeking safety in Uganda.
These funds will provide critical assistance to vulnerable displaced populations, many of whom have fled the ongoing conflict in Sudan. This support also reinforces Uganda’s longstanding policy of generously hosting refugees, particularly in areas such as Kiryandongo and various urban centers.
Uganda, known for its progressive refugee policy, has opened its doors to thousands of Sudanese refugees who have been escaping violence and instability since the outbreak of the conflict in Sudan in April 2023.
The EU’s funding will assist in providing basic necessities such as food, water, sanitation, healthcare, and shelter to those in need, focusing on the most vulnerable groups, including women, children, and people with disabilities.
The EU aid will also support Uganda’s refugee-hosting infrastructure, which has been stretched by the continuous influx of refugees. Kiryandongo, one of the main refugee settlements, will receive direct assistance, while urban areas hosting displaced populations will benefit from targeted support to address the challenges of integrating refugees into local communities.
Uganda currently hosts over 1.5 million refugees, the largest number in Africa, and the EU’s contribution comes at a critical time as Uganda faces increasing pressure on its resources due to the refugee influx from both Sudan and other neighboring countries in the region.
The humanitarian aid reflects the EU’s ongoing commitment to supporting Uganda’s refugee response and its broader mission to provide life-saving assistance to populations affected by conflict and displacement globally.
The EU has also called for continued international support to ensure that Uganda’s hospitality is matched by adequate resources to meet the growing needs.
