Uganda will direct the bulk of newly received humanitarian funding toward food support, as authorities confront a deepening crisis driven by rising refugee numbers and shrinking international assistance.
State Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Lilian Aber, says feeding has emerged as the most urgent challenge across refugee settlements, with existing resources no longer matching the scale of need.
She notes that while the country is approaching two million refugees, financial support has steadily declined over time creating a dangerous imbalance.
“Food support is no longer coming in to the extent it was supposed to,” Aber explains, pointing to a growing strain on basic services in already overcrowded settlements. The situation, she adds, is “quite worrying,” particularly as new arrivals continue to enter the country.
The recent one million US dollar contribution from China is expected to provide short-term relief, but officials acknowledge it falls far below what is required.
Aber says the funds will primarily be used to strengthen feeding programmes, alongside other essential interventions, in a bid to stabilise conditions for the most vulnerable.
Despite the limitations, the government has welcomed the support as a positive gesture. But Aber is clear that broader international backing is urgently needed to sustain operations.
Uganda’s refugee model built on an open-door policy continues to draw praise globally, but it also places significant pressure on national systems.
The country’s relative stability and commitment to humanitarian principles mean it cannot turn away those fleeing conflict, particularly from neighbouring states.
“This is not just a Ugandan problem,” Aber emphasises, framing the refugee situation as a global responsibility. She warns that while Uganda remains committed to supporting displaced populations, its capacity to do so is increasingly constrained without adequate funding.
The government is now calling on development partners and humanitarian agencies to step in and close the funding gap, cautioning that without sustained support, the country’s ability to maintain its progressive refugee policy could be severely tested.