Wake up and work: Refugees urged to adapt amid shrinking aid

Refugees in Uganda have been urged to find work and build sustainable livelihoods as international humanitarian aid continues to decline.

With Uganda now hosting close to two million refugees, over 500,000 of them in the southwest alone, officials say that self-reliance is no longer optional. 

At the 2025 World Refugee Day celebrations held in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement in Kamwenge District on Friday, Polyne Irene Abina, the Refugee Desk Officer for South Western Uganda, called on refugees to adapt to changing times.

“You must appreciate that times have changed. We are no longer in the phase of waiting for food handouts. The sooner we wake up from denial, the better,” she told the community.

Abina stressed that the World Food Programme (WFP) food list is no longer expanding and warned that tougher days lie ahead.

She encouraged refugees to take up available economic opportunities and focus on building small-scale enterprises to support their families.

“Even staff from OPM, UNHCR, and WFP are being laid off due to limited funding. The very people who once supported you now need support themselves,” she said.

Uganda keeps borders open, but challenges persist

Despite the cuts, Uganda remains committed to hosting refugees, keeping its borders open to those fleeing conflict.

Abina thanked President Museveni for his continued hospitality and urged neighbouring countries to seek peace so that displaced populations can eventually return home with dignity.

“We are here to show love and commitment, and we remind all refugees that you are not forgotten,” she said.

Timothy Kitaka, the commandant of Rwamwanja refugee settlement, said the camp currently hosts over 103,000 refugees and remains open to new arrivals.

Polyne Irene Abina, the Refugee Desk Officer for South Western Uganda during the 2025 World Refugee Day Celebrations in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement Kamwenge district on June 20 2025. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

He praised the government for its unwavering support despite the financial strain.

He acknowledged the mounting challenges caused by dwindling aid but urged refugees not to lose hope. “We are standing with you and will continue to do so,” he said.

UNHCR calls for investment in refugee livelihoods

Esther Akinyi Olang, team lead at the UNHCR Rwamwanja field office, expressed gratitude to the Ugandan government, particularly the Office of the Prime Minister, for its consistent support to refugees.

She also praised district authorities, partners, and refugee communities for their resilience.

Olang emphasised that UNHCR’s top priorities include safeguarding refugees’ rights and ensuring their access to legal documentation, health care, water, shelter, and education.

“We must strengthen essential services and ensure no one is left behind. Investing in livelihoods is critical. Refugees need skills and opportunities to live with dignity,” she said.

Olang also called for stronger partnerships with the private sector to unlock innovation and funding. She warned that growing needs, youth unemployment, gender-based violence, and pressure on infrastructure threaten to undermine progress.

Innocent Niyonzima Hitimana, the chairperson of Refugee Council III, thanked the government and development partners for supporting refugees, especially in education, health, and road infrastructure.

However, he noted that WFP’s food assistance has significantly reduced, with 66% of refugees in Rwamwanja no longer receiving food aid.

He explained that some refugees are unable to access the WFP appeals system due to outdated personal data. “People are left out, and the appeal mechanism is inaccessible to many,” he said.

Hitimana appealed to partners to provide refugees with guidance and support to help them become self-sufficient.

He urged the government to consider including refugees in national programs like the Parish Development Model, enabling them to start small businesses and join the money economy.

Some of the refugees in Rwamwanja refugee settlement acting a skit during the 2025 World Refugee Day. This was at Rwamwanja stadium in Kamwenge district on June 20, 2025. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

Education still a lifeline

Despite the financial strain, development partners continue to focus on providing education, often described as the one thing refugees can carry back to their home countries.

Teresa Omondi, Deputy Executive Director of FAWE, reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to supporting refugee girls’ education through scholarships and retention programs.

15% of FAWE’s scholarships are reserved for students from refugee settlements.

“The world is moving toward science and innovation. Africa must invest in STEM if it wants to stay relevant,” Omondi said.

She clarified that STEM also includes vocational trades like plumbing, carpentry, and mechanics, which offer dignity and self-reliance.

She urged governments and partners to recruit and retain qualified science teachers in refugee communities and support local schools with resources.

New advocacy project targets girls' education

In August, FAWE will launch the TUSEME project, Swahili for “Let’s Speak Out”, across refugee settlements.

The initiative will form student clubs to help girls identify, discuss, and find solutions to social norms that hinder their education.

Colline Ogara, the project lead, said the approach is both creative and practical.

“Through drama, music, and dialogue, students will raise concerns and hold school and community leaders accountable,” he explained.

TUSEME clubs have already shown positive results in non-refugee settings and are expected to empower refugee girls to stay in school and advocate for their rights.