By Spy Uganda
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has raised serious concerns over the growing threat of donor fatigue, warning that dwindling international support poses the greatest risk to the well-being of Uganda’s 1.8 million refugees. The Commission has urged the Ugandan government to increase its domestic financial commitment to bridge the gap left by international donors.
The warning is detailed in the 27th Annual Report on the State of Human Rights and Freedoms in Uganda (2024), which was presented to Parliament on May 15, 2025, by UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya.
“There has been a diminishing willingness or ability of donors, international organisations, and private philanthropists to continue supporting humanitarian efforts,” said Wangadya. “This trend is increasingly evident globally, including in Uganda, as donor commitments have failed to keep pace with the growing and evolving needs of refugees.”
According to the UHRC, this decline in donor support has already had significant consequences. In refugee settlements across the country, food rations have been reduced, schools like Tuajir Hope Primary School in Bidi Bidi have stopped receiving scholastic materials, and basic services such as food, healthcare, and education are under increasing strain due to overcrowding and underfunding.
One of the most critical setbacks has come from the World Food Programme (WFP), which has reportedly reduced its support by 60%, with an additional 18% cut projected for the most vulnerable groups. Monthly cash transfers meant to meet basic food needs have dropped from UGX 28,000 (approx. USD 7) to UGX 18,000 (approx. USD 5) per person.
“There is concern that these transfers may be cut further,” the report warns. “Beyond May 2025, WFP may not have any funding to continue its operations, meaning refugees will be left to fend for themselves, as many are already struggling to do.”
In light of these developments, the UHRC has recommended that the Office of the Prime Minister significantly increase funding to the Ministry of Education and Sports, focusing on expanding education infrastructure in refugee settlements and supporting vocational training for refugees and host communities.
The report follows an earlier announcement by Justine Kasule Lumumba, Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, who told Parliament’s Presidential Affairs Committee in April 2025 that foreign donors would cease funding refugee feeding programs within three months, leaving the government fully responsible for supporting Uganda’s refugee population.
As of March 7, 2025, Uganda was hosting 1.83 million refugees, making it the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa. Of these, 79% are women and children, burdening already stretched social services. The refugee influx is largely attributed to ongoing conflict and instability in neighboring countries, including Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Eritrea, and Ethiopia.
Between January and March 2024, Uganda received 37,300 new refugees, and 7,400 births were recorded within refugee settlements — a combined increase of 44,700 individuals. Of these, 30% were from Sudan, 18% from South Sudan, 16% from Eritrea, and 13% from the DRC.
The UHRC urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to play a more active role in promoting peace talks in the region, particularly among warring factions in South Sudan, Rwanda, and the DRC.
In its broader recommendations, the Commission called for immediate action to:
- Enhance access to essential services.
- Expand economic opportunities for refugees and host communities;
- Improve security in countries of origin.
- Promote refugee integration; and
- Develop sustainable, long-term solutions.
“For Uganda to maintain its position as a leading refugee-hosting nation, it must strike a balance between meeting the needs of refugees and safeguarding the welfare of host communities,” the report concludes. “Sustainable solutions — including improved infrastructure, integration programs, and targeted economic support — are essential. While Uganda’s progressive refugee policy provides significant rights and opportunities, donor fatigue remains the most pressing challenge.”
