Uganda has been praised by the United Nations for its generosity in hosting the world’s largest refugee population, with over 1.5 million displaced persons seeking safety within its borders.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Leonard Zulu, has expressed his gratitude to the Ugandan government for facilitating the safe transit of over 4,000 UN personnel and their families from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The evacuation was carried out amid rising tensions and violence in the region. Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs played a crucial role in ensuring the safe arrival of the UN staff by promptly granting all necessary clearances and authorizations.
“Seeing our colleagues arrive in one piece, processed and safe, was a moment of immense relief,” Zulu said.
Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Odongo Jeje Abubhaker said Uganda’s humanitarian stance is driven by its “Ubuntu” philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of community and mutual support.
“As part of humanity, we must always do our utmost to ensure the safety and health of our fellow human beings,” Abubhaker said.
The UN has praised Uganda’s efforts in hosting over 1.5 million refugees, mostly from the DRC and South Sudan. The country’s refugee policy is considered one of the most progressive in the world, allowing refugees to live in settlements and access education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
However, the influx of refugees has put a strain on Uganda’s resources, and the country is struggling to provide adequate support to the refugees.
Zulu acknowledged the challenges facing Uganda and pledged the UN’s continued support to the country’s humanitarian efforts.
“We appreciate the government’s efforts in hosting refugees and we will continue to support them in providing humanitarian assistance,” Zulu said.
The UN has appealed for increased funding to support its humanitarian efforts in Uganda, warning that a lack of funding could lead to a decline in the quality of services provided to refugees.
