Politics 13 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Minister Urges Refugee Returns Amidst Dwindling Aid
Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, Sam Engola, has called on refugees in Uganda to consider returning to their home countries due to a significant shortfall in humanitarian funding. Uganda currently hosts over two million refugees, but aid operations are functioning at less than half of the required budget. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/minister-engola-urges-refugees-to-return-home-as-aid-dwindles-5556966
Minister Sam Engola has appealed to refugees residing in various camps across Uganda to repatriate to their nations of origin, citing a severe decline in international humanitarian funding. Speaking at a regional workshop on refugees and internally displaced persons in Kampala, Minister Engola highlighted that Uganda is hosting more than two million refugees, yet its operations are funded at less than 50 percent of the necessary budget, with refugee numbers increasing annually.
“The way forward is for refugees to go back to their homes, simple,” Minister Engola stated, referencing the voluntary return of approximately 17,000 Burundian refugees. He explained that funding relies on donor contributions, and with reduced donations, particularly from the American government, many non-governmental organizations have withdrawn, creating significant operational difficulties.
Conflicts, political instability, and climate-related crises continue to drive new arrivals to Uganda, straining public services, infrastructure, and host communities. The Minister stressed the need for long-term strategies to foster development, promote peace, and support refugee repatriation.
Uganda’s refugee situation is compounded by reduced foreign aid, reportedly linked to U.S. policy changes. The World Food Programme has also cut rations, leaving many refugees without adequate food support. This funding crisis has led to increased challenges such as food shortages, overcrowded facilities, and limited livelihood opportunities for refugees, with some officials noting an increase in street children and school dropouts.
Despite these challenges, the government has resumed registration of new arrivals following a temporary suspension due to the Ebola outbreak, with mandatory Ebola testing implemented for all incoming refugees. A recent initiative by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to bolster livelihood development and address funding gaps for refugees and IDPs in Uganda and the wider Great Lakes region.