Civil society organizations and the Office of the Prime Minister have raised an urgent call for humanitarian assistance as refugee numbers in the country's settlements surge.
The Prime Minister's office has reported an overwhelming 100,000 new refugee arrivals in the past year alone.
"Uganda currently hosts around 1.7 million refugees, the majority from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo," said Douglas Asiimwe, an official from the disaster department at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
In response, international non-profit organization IsraAid has donated $30,000 worth of non-food relief items to support refugees in Uganda's Nakivale Refugee Settlement and surrounding host communities.
This donation provides a crucial lifeline for thousands facing severe conditions in one of Uganda's largest and oldest refugee camps.
The consignment includes water, sanitation, and hygiene kits, such as water tanks, jerrycans, and sanitary pads.
Situated in Uganda's southwestern district of Isingiro, Nakivale Refugee Settlement has been a sanctuary for those fleeing conflict and persecution from neighboring countries.
It is home to over 130,000 refugees, primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan. Many of these individuals have been in the settlement for years, while others continue to arrive as instability in their home countries persists.
Uganda is known for its progressive refugee policies, which grant refugees the right to work, move freely, and access social services.
However, the increasing number of refugees has put immense pressure on resources within the settlement, leaving many without access to food, shelter, healthcare, and clean water. This makes the need for continued humanitarian aid even more urgent.
IsraAid's country director, Delphine Tumusiime Mugisha, emphasized the significance of the support while handing over the relief items to OPM.
"The situation in Nakivale is dire. The strain on resources is overwhelming, and our donation aims to provide some relief for those in desperate need."
IsraAid's $30,000 donation of non-food relief items is a timely intervention.
The aid package, which includes water and sanitation kits, and sanitary pads, will be distributed to vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
These groups often face the most significant challenges in meeting their daily needs.
"Non-food items, although less visible than food or medicine, are vital for maintaining the dignity and well-being of refugees," Mugisha noted.
"Hygiene kits and blankets help protect against illness and the elements, while kitchen sets allow families to prepare meals, giving them some autonomy in an otherwise challenging environment."
IsraAid's initiative goes beyond assisting refugees alone. Acknowledging the strain that refugee influxes place on local Ugandan communities, IsraAid has ensured that the relief will also benefit the host communities.
This is crucial, as local resources such as land, water, and employment opportunities are shared between refugees and Ugandan residents, which can lead to tension.
By providing aid to both groups, IsraAid helps promote peaceful coexistence and harmony between the two populations.
"The host communities have shown incredible generosity, and we believe it's important to support both the refugees and the local Ugandans who are sharing their resources," Mugisha said.
A Step Toward Long-Term Resilience
While IsraAid's donation is a short-term solution, its impact is expected to be far-reaching.
By improving daily living conditions, the aid allows refugees to focus on long-term goals such as education, vocational training, and economic self-sufficiency.
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The donation also contributes to the broader goal of fostering resilience and cooperation among refugees and their hosts.
In the wider context, IsraAid's support highlights the importance of sustained international cooperation in addressing the global refugee crisis.
As the number of displaced people continues to rise worldwide, ongoing assistance is essential to ensure the dignity and survival of both refugees and the communities that host them.
IsraAid's $30,000 donation to Nakivale Refugee Settlement and its host communities is a significant step in meeting the needs of those affected by displacement.
This generous contribution not only provides immediate relief but also promotes long-term resilience and cooperation, helping build a brighter future for refugees and Ugandans alike.
