Uganda's lawmakers have pledged to champion refugee issues through legislation, national planning and policy as the country grapples with growing pressure on its refugee response amid declining humanitarian funding.
With nearly two million refugees, Uganda remains Africa's largest refugee-hosting country and among the top three globally. However, rising humanitarian needs, reduced donor support and pressure on host communities are forcing government and partners to rethink refugee management from emergency response to long-term sustainable solutions.
Speaking during an IGAD parliamentary capacity-building workshop on refugee management, government officials said Uganda remains committed to its progressive refugee policy but warned that sustaining the model requires stronger partnerships, predictable financing and increased investment in refugee self-reliance.
Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Sam Engola said Uganda has continued to shoulder a major responsibility in hosting refugees but needs stronger support from the international community.
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"Uganda has demonstrated commitment through its refugee policy, but this responsibility requires collective support. We need predictable financing and solutions that allow refugees to become self-reliant while strengthening host communities," Engola said.
State Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Lilian Aber said refugee response should move beyond humanitarian assistance and focus on sustainable interventions that create opportunities for refugees and their host communities.
"The future of refugee response is not only about providing immediate support, but creating systems that promote dignity, inclusion and self-reliance," Aber said.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, speaking at the same workshop, called for greater global solidarity and shared responsibility in addressing refugee challenges. However, he questioned how the limited resources already available for refugee programmes are being utilized.
"As we ask for more resources, we must also ask ourselves whether the little resources available are being used effectively. There must be transparency, accountability and value for money so that refugees and host communities benefit," Tayebwa said.
He also urged MPs representing refugee-hosting areas to take up the concerns of refugee communities despite the fact that refugees do not participate in elections.
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"A refugee may not vote for you, but they are part of the community you represent. Their challenges must also become part of our advocacy and planning," Tayebwa added.
Members of Parliament attending the workshop committed to moving beyond responding to refugee crises and instead integrating refugee concerns into national planning, legislation and budgeting.
Mwenge Central MP Muthusela Kasukaali said Parliament has a role in ensuring refugee issues remain part of Uganda's development agenda.
"Refugee matters should not only be discussed during emergencies. They must be integrated into our policies and development plans because they affect the communities we represent," Kasukaali said.
Rubirizi District Woman MP Jessica Arinaitwe emphasized the need for inclusive approaches that strengthen cooperation between government, partners, refugees and host communities.
"Sustainable solutions require collaboration. We need policies that support both refugees and the communities that host them," Arinaitwe said.
The workshop, organized by IGAD, is aimed at strengthening MPs' understanding of refugee dynamics, protection frameworks and Uganda's refugee response model to enable better policy and legislative decisions.
The capacity-building programme continues tomorrow, with legislators expected to explore more approaches on refugee inclusion, resource mobilization and sustainable solutions for refugees and host communities
