Uganda's refugee response faces funding crisis, minister urges donor action

Uganda, renowned for its open-door refugee policy, is grappling with a severe funding shortfall that jeopardizes its ability to provide essential services to more than two million refugees and their host communities. Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, Lillian Aber, highlighted the urgent need for international partners to translate their financial pledges into tangible support.

During the launch of a report on bicycle mobility in refugee settlements, Ms. Aber emphasized that sustained international backing is crucial for maintaining access to basic services and improving livelihoods for displaced persons and Ugandans hosting them.

The research, a collaboration between World Bicycle Relief and Buffalo Bicycles Uganda, investigated the impact of bicycles in Bidi-Bidi, Nakivale, and Palabek refugee settlements. The study revealed that transportation limitations significantly hinder access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities due to the vast distances between facilities and households.

Findings indicated that students who received bicycles were more likely to attend classes and showed improved academic performance compared to their peers who faced long walks. Sean Granville, Executive Director at World Bicycle Relief, urged humanitarian agencies to integrate mobility solutions like bicycles into their program designs, noting their effectiveness in overcoming physical barriers to essential services and markets.

Minister Aber affirmed the government’s commitment to exploring practical, cost-effective solutions to address mobility and infrastructure challenges within refugee-hosting areas. She called for the formal integration of bicycle access into future refugee settlement interventions by stakeholders including UNHCR.

This vital support is needed to ensure the continued success of Uganda’s refugee response initiatives. https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/funding-shortfall-threatens-uganda-refugee-response-minister-calls-for-action-at-mobility-report-launch-5634028