GOVERNMENT AND UNHCR COMMITS TO SUPPORT REFUGEES AMIDST CHALLENGES
By Sabir Musa
Amidst the dwindling resources, government of Uganda and United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) maintains that, refugees will continue to be supported though with shifted attention to Self-reliance model as a strategy of addressing the challenge.
During the national celebration of World Refugee Day at Ofua III Zone in Rhinocamp Refugee Settlement, the officials disclosed plans to manage situation of dwindling resources.
UNHCR Country Representative, Matthew Crentsil confirms that, a partnership agreement is already signed with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda in responds to the situation. “This is to open-up businesses in refugee settlements where we have huge economic opportunities to create jobs so that it will be a win-win for everybody; refugees will get employment, local communities will get employment and them those who are doing business will also gain so no one loses” he disclosed.
In 2023, Uganda launched the Settlement Transformation Agenda phase 2, developed with funding from Government of Japan. This agenda, according to Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees, Lillian Aber, is aligned with the National Development Plan 4 that incorporates refugee interventions. “Currently, the refugee department is participating in activities of developing the National Development Plan 4 that government launched recently” the Minister said.
However, the Acting Commissioner of Refugees at Office of the Prime Minister, Douglas Asiimwe, advice implementing partners to prioritize livelihood for self-reliance of refugees. “Realign your interventions to make sure that the livelihood of refugees is a focus moving forward. We must get money into the pocket of refugees for self-reliance” he appealed to implementing partners.
Latest statistics from UNHCR indicates that Uganda is now hosting 1.7 million refugees, mainly from South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo, mostly children and women who fled the countries due to civil wars in the countries.
COVER PHOTO: UNCHR Country Representative, Mathew Crensil, receiving the Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugee, Lillian Aber, in Ofua III Zone, Rhinocamp Refugee Settlement By Sabir Musa
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