Uganda has called for stronger cooperation with the European Union on refugee management as the country grapples with rising humanitarian needs and declining funding.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa said the matter was raised on Monday, September 21, when he hosted European Parliament members Anna Strolenberg and Tineke Strik at Parliament.
The European legislators were in Uganda to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s refugee policies and explore areas where Uganda and the EU could strengthen cooperation on refugee and immigration management.
Tayebwa said Uganda’s long-standing policy of welcoming refugees has placed significant pressure on the country’s resources, with more than two million refugees currently hosted in the country.
“I informed them that Uganda’s doors are always open to refugees because of our commitment to humanity and our culture of never turning anyone away,” Tayebwa said.
He noted that women and children make up the majority of Uganda’s refugee population, making continued humanitarian assistance critical.
According to Tayebwa, funding shortages have increasingly complicated Uganda’s efforts to provide essential services to refugees. He said the country received only about 12% of the more than $850 million required this year to support refugee welfare.
“When there is less money to provide food and other essential support to refugees, there is increased pressure on social services such as health and education,” he said.
Tayebwa urged the EU to strengthen its partnership with Uganda, particularly as humanitarian funding continues to fall short of the country’s needs.
He also linked the continued influx of refugees to conflicts in neighbouring countries, saying international efforts should focus on addressing the causes of displacement rather than only responding to its consequences.
“I further explained that the root causes of refugee movements are conflicts in neighbouring countries. The EU has an important role to play in supporting efforts to resolve the conflicts that continue to cause refugee influxes,” Tayebwa said.
Ugandan lawmakers Robina Rwakoojo and Beatrice Rwakimari, alongside officials from the Refugees Department in the Office of the Prime Minister, also participated in the discussions.
Tayebwa said Strolenberg and Strik recognised Uganda’s role in hosting refugees and expressed optimism that the engagement would lead to stronger cooperation between Uganda and the EU on refugee management.