The United Nations (UN) has praised Uganda’s humane approach towards refugees and called on European Union (EU) member states to adopt a similar open-door policy. Dennis Francis, the President of the UN General Assembly, commended Uganda for accepting, assisting, and supporting refugees during the 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort Hotel in Kampala.
“I want to commend the Government and people of Uganda for their very humanistic approach to refugees,” stated the UN chief, emphasizing Uganda’s contrast with places globally that turn refugees away.
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, also lauded Uganda as a remarkable example of refugee protection, urging EU countries to consider adopting similar practices. Guterres emphasized that while refugees from Ukraine, for instance, deserve protection, all refugees possess equal rights.
Uganda’s approach to refugee management involves implementing the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework and Global Compact on Refugees. This strategy emphasizes the integration of refugees into national systems, particularly in education, health, and livelihood sectors. Refugees, mainly from South Sudan, DR Congo, and Burundi, live in settlements where they coexist with the local communities.
In December 2023, Bright Rwamirama, Uganda’s Agriculture State Minister for Animal Industry, revealed that the country was hosting 1,604,813 refugees, with immediate needs being food and shelter. However, he highlighted a decline in food supplies from the World Food Programme and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Rwamirama called for support from donors to sustain both refugees and host communities, emphasizing Uganda’s commitment to climate-smart agriculture in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Uganda’s inclusive approach, combined with progressive refugee laws, provides refugees with significant prospects for dignity and self-reliance, according to the UN Refugee Agency.
