Local councils in Uganda's refugee-hosting districts have raised concerns over inadequate funding to support the growing refugee population and the local communities.
During the 22nd Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) steering group meeting,Minister of Local Government Raphael Magyezi acknowledged the outcry from districts such as Yumbe, Adjumani, and Isingiro, where local budgets do not account for refugees.
"We need to recognise that refugees are not outside Uganda; they are part of our communities. Districts are offering services such as healthcare, education, and roads, but our current budgeting framework does not capture this population," Magyezi stated.
The minister highlighted the significant strain on local resources, saying, "Refugees have been here for decades, and they require the same services as citizens. Yet, we are not budgeting for them."
In response to these concerns, Magyezi assured leaders that the government would collaborate with the Ministry of Finance to ensure that the refugee population is factored into the local government budgets.
"We are now in the budgeting cycle, and we will push for increased funding to support both the refugees and the host communities," he pledged.
Local officials, however, continue to voice concerns about the increasing pressure on limited resources, emphasising the need for swift government action to prevent further strain on essential services