By The Government of Uganda and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have jointly issued an urgent appeal to the international community to increase financial support for refugee operations in the country, citing a worsening global funding crisis.
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In a joint statement released following a high-level meeting held on May 23, 2025, the two parties acknowledged the severe impact of global funding shortfalls, which have already triggered painful measures, including staff reductions and scaled-down refugee services.
“The current funding constraints have necessitated difficult decisions, including staff reductions,” the statement read, stressing that these actions were made in close consultation between the Government and UNHCR and reflect broader trends in global humanitarian financing.
Uganda, often lauded internationally for its progressive refugee policy, currently hosts over 1.9 million refugees, making it one of the largest refugee-hosting nations in the world. The country has already registered more than 110,000 new arrivals in 2025 alone, largely from conflict-affected regions in neighboring countries such as South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and parts of the Horn of Africa.
Despite this burden, UNHCR Uganda remains only 17% funded for 2025, a level officials say is dangerously low to meet even the most basic needs such as shelter, food, healthcare, and education.
“We deeply regret the impact on affected personnel and on the refugees we serve,” said Eng. Hilary Onek, Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, who signed the statement alongside UNHCR’s Country Representative in Uganda. “This crisis cannot be resolved without renewed and sustained global solidarity.”
The joint appeal reaffirmed the partnership between the Government and UNHCR, emphasizing their continued commitment to delivering essential services, maintaining transparency, and aligning interventions with Uganda’s national development priorities.
Officials highlighted Uganda’s unique approach to refugee management, which includes granting refugees the right to work, move freely, and access public services such as schools and healthcare policies rarely found in other host countries.
However, they warned that without urgent international financial assistance, this model could soon collapse, threatening the wellbeing of both refugees and host communities.
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“Sustained international solidarity is essential to uphold Uganda’s exemplary refugee policy and ensure continued protection for those in need,” the statement concluded.
Uganda’s call joins a growing chorus from other refugee-hosting nations grappling with the global retreat in humanitarian funding. The government and UNHCR have promised to continue working closely together but emphasized that the success of Uganda’s refugee response hinges on increased donor engagement.
