Uganda to Launch $328 Million Refugee Support Project in October

The Ugandan government is preparing to roll out the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project Phase II (DRDIP II) in October 2026. This significant five-year program, valued at $328 million, is designed to mitigate the long-term socio-economic and environmental consequences of forced displacement.

DRDIP II will focus on enhancing social and economic services, infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, and environmental resilience in 14 districts that host a substantial refugee population. The Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Sam Engola, presented the project details to the Committee on Presidential Affairs, urging Members of Parliament to actively support its implementation through oversight and community mobilization.

“I call upon MPs to join government in creating awareness, correcting misinformation and mobilizing communities to participate constructively in the programme,” Hon. Engola stated. He highlighted that DRDIP II aims to build upon the successes of Phase I, which reportedly improved access to services and strengthened livelihoods, with a goal of promoting greater self-reliance among beneficiaries.

However, concerns were raised by the Committee regarding unfinished projects from DRDIP I. The Chairperson, Hon. Martin Mapenduzi Ojara, requested a detailed report on these outstanding projects and their associated costs before proceeding with Phase II. Other MPs, including Hon. Lucy Akello and Hon. Ali Kasirye, called for a thorough evaluation of Phase I’s impact and a clear implementation plan for the new phase.

Discussions also centered on ensuring equitable benefit distribution and addressing issues of delayed fund disbursement and coordination challenges with local governments that impacted the first phase. The World Bank is among the key development partners supporting DRDIP II.

Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4618/govt-roll-out-328m-drdip-ii-october