By Aggrey Baba
Uganda has sent back over 13,000 refugees to their home countries due to dwindling refugee funding. This move, which started earlier this year, has mostly involved refugees from Burundi.
Speaking at the launch of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Regional Refugee Engagement Forum in Kampala, Mr. Patrick Okello, the Commissioner for Refugees Management, encouraged voluntary repatriation. “We’ve worked closely with Burundi’s government, and they’ve agreed to welcome their citizens back,” he said. He hopes other countries will also create conditions for their citizens to return home safely.
Uganda is currently home to 1.7 million refugees, with the largest groups coming from South Sudan (55%), the Democratic Republic of Congo (31%), and other countries (14%). But with only 15% of the $500 million needed to support refugees in the country received, the government is facing a tough challenge.
“With less international support, we are focusing on helping refugees become self-reliant,” said Mr. Okello. Refugees are encouraged to start small businesses, like farming or carpentry, to earn a living.
Ms. Fathia Alwan, IGAD’s director for health and social development, highlighted that the IGAD region is home to some of the world’s largest refugee populations. She emphasized that the forum gives refugees a chance to speak out and shape the solutions to the challenges they face.
UNHCR representative in Uganda, Mr. Matthew Crentsil, stressed the importance of finding lasting solutions for refugees, whether through repatriation, integration, or resettlement. “No one should be left behind,” he said, pointing out that the refugee crisis is a shared responsibility that requires global cooperation.
As Uganda faces financial strain, it remains committed to supporting refugees and seeks to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and self-reliance. As the proverb goes, “When the storm comes, some build walls, others build windmills.” Uganda is focused on helping refugees build their own windmills-URN. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at [email protected]).
