The Ugandan government has been honoured for its exemplary open-door refugee policy, receiving the prestigious Refugee Host Country Leadership Award from the Woodrow Wilson Center's Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative (RAFDI).
This award acknowledges Uganda's commitment to providing shelter and resources to displaced persons fleeing conflict and instability worldwide.
Uganda’s Ambassador to Washington, DC, Robie Kakonge, received the award on behalf of the government and later presented it to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
It will officially be delivered to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during a cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday, March 17, 2025.
Ambassador Kakonge revealed that scholars at the Wilson Center’s RAFDI nominated Uganda and Moldova for this recognition.
“When they looked at the entire world to assess how refugees are hosted and supported, they were impressed by Uganda’s hospitality and the way host communities integrate and support refugees,” she stated.
Uganda currently hosts close to two million refugees and asylum seekers, comprising 1,693,311 refugees and 48,020 asylum seekers.
Of these, 91% live in settlements, while 9% reside in urban areas, primarily in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono districts.
“Our strength in refugee management lies in how we have integrated them,” Amb Kakonge emphasized.
“Refugees are granted access to land for farming, education, healthcare, and natural resources, ensuring they can live with dignity and contribute to the economy.”
Following her return, Ambassador Kakonge presented the award to the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, Hilary Onek, who will facilitate its handover to President Museveni.
However, Minister Onek expressed concern over recent cuts to the U.S. refugee development fund allocated to Uganda.
“We are facing a difficult time as America has reduced direct refugee development funding to the Ugandan government, and refugee humanitarian aid to agencies has also been cut,” he said. “I hope that this recognition of our efforts will soften America’s stance and encourage them to reconsider their decision.”
Uganda's refugee population originates from 34 countries, with 55.1% from South Sudan, 30.9% from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the remaining 14% from 32 other nations.
Women and children constitute 79% of the refugee population, older adults (60 years and above) make up 3%, youth (15-24 years) comprise 25%, and children under 18 account for 55%.
Additionally, 51% of the refugee population is female, with numbers continuing to rise daily.
The country’s 13 refugee settlements serve as home to the majority of displaced individuals, though a small number reside in urban areas, adapting to city life while benefiting from Uganda’s inclusive refugee policies.
Uganda remains a global model for refugee integration, demonstrating resilience and generosity despite funding challenges.