Uganda refugee hosting model is one of the most progressive in the world.
Currently, Uganda hosts over 1 million refugees, of which over 900,000 are from South Sudan. Refugees are given relative freedom of movement, equal access to primary education, health care, and other essential social services, and the right to work and own a business.
Economically, Uganda has also shown how a different approach that can reap dividends. The government provides refugees with plots of land and permits them to work. In some places, the refugees boost local businesses.
There are widespread reports of local businesses booming from the charcoal trade. It’s all beautiful to hear until reality sets in, and you realize we are sitting on a potential time bomb. Although many Ugandans see their new neighbours as a benefit, not a burden, others would disagree hence putting the entire refugee hosting program at risk.
The host communities surrounding the refugee camps are in vexation because they believe refugees are benefiting from their lands more than them. The youth of Yumbe, Arua, and Adjumani have been staging protests against refugees and donor agencies.
According to a recent news report, “Leaders said there was much more to be done to ensure peaceful co-existence between refugees and the host communities.”
It’s true; there is a lot more that needs to be done. However, the truth is that Uganda lacks the resources to sustain the growing number of refugees while managing the risk of conflict.
The solution can be traced back to the donor community which has failed to do its fair share. Uganda needs more support for it to manage the refugee situation successfully.
According to a report from the Economist, there is a shortfall in funding- donors have given only a third of the funding needed in 2017, with a deficit of $443m. Health and education services are expanding too slowly: one school has 4,200 students and just 16 teachers.
It is high time donor countries matched Uganda’s generosity. By increasing funding to Uganda, this significantly increases resettlement camps and other safe and legal routes that are offered to refugees from South Sudan. This will enable Uganda to provide better humanitarian services and also boost the economy.
With adequate support from donors, Uganda will be in a better position to offer refugees a chance to restart their lives with opportunities for success socially and economically. Hence, challenging host communities to change their narratives of refugees from “burden” to peaceful partner.
The author is a South Sudanese member of parliament at the East African Legislative Assembly