By Matik Kueth
Uganda is on the verge of a major humanitarian crisis as it is expected to host up to 2 million refugees by the end of 2025, amid escalating violence in Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
Already the largest refugee-hosting nation in Africa and third globally, Uganda now shelters approximately 1.93 million refugees, more than half of whom are children as the country is currently receiving an average of 600 new arrivals each day.
Despite its progressive refugee policy, which allows access to land, work, and public services, Uganda’s ability to support this growing population is collapsing under the weight of a worsening funding crisis.
UNHCR reports that emergency assistance is critically underfunded, with the entire response only about 25 percent financed. Refugees currently receive just a third of what is needed to cover their basic survival needs, food, water, shelter, and healthcare.
Dominique Hyde, UNHCR’s Director for External Relations, recently visited Kiryandongo settlement, where many Sudanese and South Sudanese refugees have arrived in recent weeks. She warned of dire consequences unless the global community steps up.
“I’ve seen malnourished children, women arriving with nothing, and families sleeping without shelter. We simply do not have the resources to provide even the basics,” Hyde stated.
With food and medicine supplies dwindling, cases of child malnutrition are soaring. Schools are overcrowded, and many families are pulling children out altogether due to lack of support.
Mental health services are overwhelmed, with rising reports of suicide among refugee youth. Gender-based violence is also on the rise, exacerbated by the strain on protection services.
“The needs are overwhelming, and Uganda cannot face this alone. This is not just a UN crisis, it’s a global responsibility. The generosity of the Ugandan government has provided a lifeline, but without urgent international funding, that lifeline is fraying,” he emphasized.
As emergency funds are expected to run out by September, aid agencies warn that millions will be left without protection or assistance, putting lives, and hard-won progress, at risk.