More than ever, Uganda needs international support to sustain its open-door refugees policy

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OPINION

Phionah Namulira

By Phionah Namulira

Uganda is swimming in a tide of several regional battles. In January 2024, Burundi closed its border with Rwanda due to Rwanda’s alleged support for Burundi rebels. On the other hand, the activities of M23 rebels in Eastern DRC saw hundreds of Congolese flee to Uganda in February. In the north, the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum has displaced over 3.3 million people.

Uganda is likely to bear an increasing burden from such regional fallouts. Uganda accommodates nearly 1.6 million refugees, with South Sudan (57%) and the DRC (32%) nationals being the majority. In the recent past, regional conflicts, especially in eastern DRC, have propelled a continuous influx of refugees. This surge places an immense strain on Uganda’s refugee-hosting model, particularly evident in heightened tensions within host communities driven by resource scarcity, economic crises, and land disputes.

Simultaneously, the significant decline in donor funding adds complexity to the situation. UNHCR figures reveal that in the first quarter of 2023, donors had only contributed $113 million out of the required $846 million, leaving a funding gap of $732 million. Such an environment forces humanitarian agencies to make agonizing choices, prioritizing the most vulnerable refugees.

UNHCR reports show that the limited livelihood opportunities of these refugees and the food security situation of both the hosting communities and the refugees have worsened. The ration cuts in July 2023, which left refugee households with only 30%-60% of standard rations and 4% entirely discontinued from food or cash assistance, vividly illustrate the acute impacts of this funding shortfall.

Since July 2023, the funding shortfall has resulted in only 14% of the initially categorized highly vulnerable individuals receiving the 60% ration.

Neiman and Titeca, in their article for The New Humanitarian, report that these ration cuts have triggered crime, child marriages, prostitution, and sexual abuse. To make matters worse, the Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hillary Onek, in December 2023, revealed that the government plans to borrow $280 million (1.059trillion UGX) from the World Bank to support refugees, pushing the country further into debt.

In tandem with the above, host communities face severe consequences in this risky scenario. The strain on existing public utilities and services intensifies as refugees seek alternatives, sparking conflicts over limited resources. Given the country’s policy that gives refugees land, education, and a chance to work, competition for employment opportunities will escalate, amplifying economic tensions between refugees and locals.

Environmental degradation will further become pronounced. Minister Onek, who reveals that the rate at which trees are being cut by refugees in Lamwo for selling and home use is higher than their restoration rate, highlighted such a scenario.

If this unsustainable practice continues, it will not only compromise the environmental integrity but will also jeopardize the well-being of refugees and host communities in the future as it undermines the vital ecosystems, contributes to climate change, and diminishes the availability of essential resources for livelihoods.

Suppose we sustain and improve the welfare of both refugees and host communities, as well as the economy at large, in 2024. In that case, a collaborative and coordinated action effort is imperative. Therefore, faced with rising conflicts and diminishing support, Uganda relies on swift, coordinated efforts. The international community must rise to the occasion, recognizing the shared responsibility in managing refugee crises.

Without a robust response, the future holds increased strains on both refugees and host communities, with far-reaching consequences for Uganda’s hard-won stability, security, and social harmony. The path forward hinges on addressing root causes, implementing sustainable solutions, and fostering a shared responsibility that transcends borders. The world’s response to Uganda’s plight will shape not just the fate of refugees sheltering here, but the broader narrative of international solidarity and responsibility.

The writer is a research associate at EPRC, Makerere University