Uganda is approaching a staggering refugee count of two million as daily arrivals pour in from conflict hit regions of Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The growing influx is straining the country’s resources, compounding what humanitarian officials describe as one of the worst funding crises in recent history.
According to UNHCR, over 600 people are entering Uganda each day, with numbers expected to hit the two million mark by the end of 2025. Already home to 1.93 million refugees more than a million of whom are children Uganda remains Africa’s largest refugee-hosting nation and ranks third globally.
For those fleeing violence, the situation remains dire. “We’ve been here three months. We have no money, my children are not in school, and they’re falling ill,” said Hamida Ibrahim Amin, a recent Sudanese arrival.
Dominique Hyde, UNHCR’s Director for External Relations, visited Uganda’s refugee settlements and issued a stark warning: unless urgent funding arrives, the consequences will be severe. “Children are malnourished. Families lack shelter. Girls face increasing risks of sexual violence. We’re barely able to meet 25% of emergency needs,” Hyde said.
Uganda’s inclusive refugee policy grants access to work, education, and public services, but aid delivery is faltering. Food and medicine supplies have been slashed, fueling rising malnutrition. Mental health services are dwindling, and reports of suicide and gender based violence are climbing.
Humanitarian agencies, including UNHCR and the World Food Programme, stress the need for global support to avoid a catastrophic breakdown in aid. Without it, refugees will be forced into desperate decisions just to survive.
