China Donates $1 Million to Bolster Uganda's Refugee Response

China has committed USD 1 million, equivalent to about Shs 3.8 billion, to aid Uganda’s refugee operations. This marks the first direct humanitarian donation from Beijing to the country, which hosts one of the world’s largest refugee populations.

The funds will flow through the Office of the Prime Minister and be executed by Finn Church Aid via the China-funded Humanitarian Assistance Grant Project (CHAP). Efforts will concentrate on Nakivale and Kyangwali settlements in southwestern Uganda, where new refugees continue to arrive fleeing regional conflicts.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja launched the initiative in Kampala on April 22, alongside ministers and partners. She highlighted its role in delivering urgent relief and fostering long-term resilience, while strengthening Uganda-China ties.

“This project reflects our shared values of solidarity and cooperation in tackling global humanitarian challenges,” Nabbanja stated.

Uganda’s progressive refugee policy allows displaced persons to work, access services, and integrate with locals. Yet, with 1,961,518 refugees and asylum seekers as of late 2025—mostly from South Sudan and DRC—resources are stretched thin.

The CHAP emphasizes psychosocial support, community involvement, social cohesion, hot meals, dignity kits, child protection, and better agency coordination.

China’s Charge d’Affaires ad interim, Fan Xuecheng, noted this expands Beijing’s support into humanitarian realms beyond infrastructure.

Ministers at the event included Hilary Onek, Henry Okello Oryem, and Lilian Aber.

This aid underscores diplomacy and global burden-sharing amid Africa’s displacement crises.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)